Several generations came together in Edmonton for a summer “Challah and Hummus” celebration

by Danielle Shaposhnikov

(AJNews) – The spirit of community was alive and well at the recent “Challah and Hummus” event by Jewish Family Services Edmonton (JFSE) and its dedicated funders, including the Ort Canada Fund, the Edmonton Jewish Community Charitable Foundation (EJCCF), the Jewish Material Claims Against Germany, Edmonton Jewish Federation, UJA Federation of Greater Toronto – Lewar Fund, Alberta Jewish Pipeline, and Brook’s No Frills.

Generations gathered to celebrate connection, culture, and the approach of the Jewish New Year. What began as a simple idea to bring locals and newcomers together blossomed into an outstanding afternoon that perfectly captured the warmth and vibrancy of Edmonton’s Jewish community, with over 170 people in attendance, including representatives from the Beth Israel, Beth Ora and Beth Shalom Synagogues.

At the heart of the celebration was the kosher barbecue, filling the air with enticing aromas that drew families from across the city. Tables overflowed with refreshing drinks kindly donated by Brook’s No-Frills, delicious food, from traditional Jewish favourites to contemporary treats, ensuring something for every palate. The sight of families sharing meals — grandparents alongside grandchildren, longtime community members welcoming newcomers from Israel, Ukraine, Ethiopia, and Eritrea – embodied the true essence of Jewish hospitality. Among the most cherished attendees were Holocaust survivors, supported by the Holocaust Survivors Support Program funded by Claims Conference, whose presence added profound meaning to the gathering. This extraordinary group brought an infectious energy, confidently showcasing their dance moves and enthusiastically encouraging others to join them on the dance floor for spirited salsa dancing to the live mariachi band’s vibrant melodies. In a particularly memorable moment, one survivor with a musical background charmed the entire crowd by taking the microphone and singing with such passion that the gathering erupted into thunderous applause. Their joyful participation served as a powerful testament to resilience and the enduring spirit of celebration, reminding everyone of the importance of embracing life’s pleasures, community connections, and Jewish traditions.

The Mariachi Loco band was a unique and captivating addition, bringing extra vibrancy to the picnic. Their lively performance provided the perfect soundtrack for dancing, conversation, and celebration, uniting people through music.

Children were not forgotten in the day’s festivities. A variety of engaging activities kept them both entertained and educated. Temporary glow-in-the-dark tattoos were a huge hit, with kids proudly showing off their choices as they ran between activities.

The scavenger hunt, offered in both English and Hebrew, proved to be one of the most exciting highlights of the day. Families teamed up to uncover details about Edmonton’s rich Jewish history, exploring the pioneers, institutions, and milestones that have shaped the community over the decades. The Alberta Jewish News and Talmud Torah School partnered with us to host stations along side the hunt, and who better to help uncover the treasures than Ari, the lovable Talmud Torah Lion? The multilingual aspect of the hunt ensured full participation from newer community members, reinforcing the event’s inclusive spirit and JFSE’s core values of Healing the World (Tikkun Olam), Fairness (Tzedek), Caring (Chesed), and Respect (Kavod).

As the celebration coincided with the approach of Rosh Hashanah, traditional symbols of the Jewish New Year were woven throughout the event, with tables featuring crisp apples paired with golden, sweet honey.

The success of the second annual “Challah and Hummus” lay not just in its excellent food, engaging activities, and dedicated volunteers, but also in the remarkable ability of JFSE’s talented staff to cultivate genuine connections across generations, cultures, and languages. Conversations flowed as smoothly as the refreshments, with new friendships forming and existing bonds strengthening throughout the afternoon. The event demonstrated that gathering with intention and openness truly is sweet, creating lasting impacts that extend far beyond the celebration itself.

Happy New Year and Shanah Tovah from Jewish Family Services Edmonton to you and yours! May this year be filled with sweetness.

Danielle Shaposhnikov, Outreach Coordinator and Case Management Assistant Jewish Family Servicees Edmonton.