Talmud Torah School Year comes to a close

By Natalie Soroka

(AJNews) – That’s a Wrap for 2021-22!

Well, that’s just about a wrap for the 2021-22 school year at Edmonton Talmud Torah! After nearly two school years under COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, we are hopefully seeing the light at the end of a long tunnel. As the school year winds down, we reflect on the challenges, tenacity and achievements of our students, staff, and families. Talmud Torah collectively rose to the challenge with strength, humour and resilience. Oftentimes it does take a village and the Talmud Torah Society’s board of directors would like to thank those who have and those who continue to support us in so many ways:

TT families, teachers, staff and administration, TT School Council, volunteer librarians Michelle Huberman and Karen Hering, TT Early Learning Centre families, educators and administration, Jewish Federation of Edmonton, United Jewish Appeal Edmonton’s UJA campaign and Integrated Bursary Program, Jewish Federation of Edmonton’s Covid-19 FCSS grant from the Government of Alberta, Edmonton Jewish Community Charitable Foundation, Jewish National Fund-Edmonton, Jewish Family Services-Edmonton, Sam Ousher Switzer Charitable Foundation, Myrna and Don Silverberg, Hering Library Fund, Soroka Library Fund, and basketball coach Samantha Hanson.

While many wonderful activities occurred throughout the school year, highlights of June include: Yaron Bob’s Rockets to Roses’ JNF Edmonton event and discussion with Gr. 5/6, Grade 1 Siddur celebration, Grade 2 Torah Ora celebration, Kindergarten and Kinderarts Shabbat celebration, Grade 3 recorder performance, Grade 5/6 virtual meet with sister school Lev Ha’Emek in Israel, Grade 6 celebration, Teachers vs. Gr. 5/6 kickball, TT School Council Fit You June 2022, and Maccabi Games. Our families were overjoyed at being able to attend the end of year celebrations in person, and their happiness at seeing their children perform was unmatched.

The TT Early Learning Centre Air Conditioning Fundraiser is still running, and we are looking to our friends of TT to help support this important initiative. To date we have raised $15,000 towards our $42,000 goal, and we thank all those who have supported us so far! You are amazing! As the saying goes, IT TAKES A VILLAGE! Please consider going to our website at www.talmudtorahsociety.com. We would truly appreciate your support in any way you are able.

The Society’s Annual General Meeting on June 16th said farewell to and thanked board members Melissa Benjamin, Arielle Whitham and Ben Yovel for their hard work and dedication, and welcomed new members Jessica Hogan, Stacie Perlmutter, Barry Slawsky and Nomi Steen. The board is energized and motivated to continue working on its strategic plan priorities, and building on its partnership with Edmonton Public Schools and new principal, Darin Johnson.

As our Grade 6 graduates look to new challenges in Jr. High, the 2022-23 board of directors wishes them Mazel Tov and much success. Wishing all of our students and families a healthy, fun and energized summer!