JFSE presents a free, family movie day in Edmonton on June 22

By Regan Lipes

(AJNews) – There’s nothing like a big warm Jewish family!  For many newcomers to Edmonton, whose extended families are far away, creating new close support networks within the Jewish community is an essential, but intimidating undertaking. Jewish Family Services (JFS) of Edmonton remains a pillar of what sustains connections of kindness for Edmonton’s Jews when they need a helping hand most, but as Danielle Dolgoy explained in a recent phone interview with Alberta Jewish News: “We also want people to seek out our services before issues reach a critical point.”  As the Executive Director of JFSE, Dolgoy and her collaborative team have identified integration support as a major steppingstone for Jewish newcomers as they build a sense of local belonging.

With gratitude to the Lewar Endowment and local sponsorship, JFSE is pleased to invite the Jewish community of Edmonton, established families, and newcomers, to a free movie gathering at Metro Cinema (8712 109 Street, Edmonton). ‘Family Movie Day’ will be held on Sunday, June 22, with activities for kids, hosted by JFS staff and volunteers who will also be on-hand to help introduce some of the programs and services they provide.  “Even people who have lived in the community for years don’t always know the extent of what we offer,” Dolgoy emphasized. “For people who are new to Edmonton, or to Canada entirely, we have resettlement services, and mental health support. Our career counseling is something that anybody might find useful, and we also accommodate subsidized counseling and homecare for those who need them. This is a great way to get to know JFS programs and have some fun.”

Doors open at 10 am with lots of crafts to keep little hands busy, and new friends to be made.  Popcorn, a true staple of any cinema-sitting, along with soft drinks, will be provided as the first film of the day Paddington takes to the JFS silver screen. The 2014 feature film based on the classic children’s book by Micheal Bond, is warm and fuzzy to the core as Paddington Bear navigates the struggles of being a newcomer in London. The cinematic misadventures of everyone’s favorite marmalade-eating bear stars Ben Wishaw as the voice of the title character, but audiences may not know of the movie’s Jewish connection. The producer of the film, David Hayman, is the grandson of German-Jews who escaped the Nazi’s in World War II. “We made sure to select films with Jewish representation,” Dolgoy commented amiably. “For Paddington we are inviting families to BYOB: bring your own BEAR,” she concluded musing. While kiddos snuggle up with their favorite plush stuffies alongside new friends, the Edmonton Jewish community will grow a little stronger as support networks expand.

Guests are welcome to stick around following Paddington for the second film screening of the day at 12.30: Night at the Museum! This one isn’t just a family favorite, but a cult classic; audiences will probably be able to recite entire scenes along with the actors. This cast needs no introduction: Dick Van Dyke and Owen Wilson alongside a pre-Bohemian Rhapsody star Rami Malek and the legendary Robin Williams. The Jewish connection for this movie is as iconic as the film itself: everyone’s favorite goofy overnight security guard, Ben Stiller. This exciting and fantastical romp through history will ignite everyone’s imaginations, and no trip to the Museum of Natural History, or any other museum for that matter, will ever be quite the same.

“Yes, it’s about fun for the entire family, but its also about introducing ourselves to Jewish newcomers, and also to engage people who are more established in town too. Whether it’s people who need to jump start their English, a helping hand with applying for work, or those who are aging in place, we are here and we have resources to assist,” elaborated Dolgoy. “This is about outreach in the most fun and welcoming of ways.”

This event is being offered to the Jewish community free of charge, and what could be more appealing than that!  Those planning to attend are invited to register at: jfse.org/movie-day.  The dedicated organizers would like to thank the United Jewish Appeal of Greater Tornoto’s Stephan and Sophie Lewar Endowment, the Jewish Community Charitable Foundation, PJ Library, the Jewish Federation of Edmonton, Metro Cinema and Brook’s NoFrills. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to share in some good old fashion movie fun, while building a stronger Jewish community for Edmonton.

Regan Lipes is a Local Journalism Initiative Reporter.