4 minute read
UJA campaign funds impacts from cradle to grave
NOVEMBER 2021
EDMONTON
Check out the new program for babies and parents Page 8 From the desk of our president Page 2 Meet Federation staff Page 4 -5 Donations to foundation leave legacy Page 7 Hillel plans year of events Page 10 Eight ways to light up your Chanukah Page 12
UJA campaign funds impacts from cradle to grave
When Darryl Antel and Howie Sniderman think of the United Jewish Appeal (UJA) campaign, community comes to mind.
“From my point of view, the impact of the UJA campaign is from cradle to grave. We raise funds and distribute them around the community locally, nationally, and in Israel. I see the impact at the start of life in our community, through programs such as Shalom Baby. As we grow through the years, the number of programs and organizations that are supported by UJA also add to the lifeblood, vitality and the strength of our community,” says Howie, the campaign co-chair.
“A reason I got involved with the campaign is, not only is it an aspect of what it means to be part of the community, but it makes you feel even more connected to the community,” adds Darryl, who is co-chairing the campaign with Howie.
Darryl moved to Edmonton eight years ago and knew very few people. He connected with the Jewish community through the young professionals’ program that the Federation offered. Darryl saw how UJA funds can make an impact through this program by helping others connect. affected him in different ways, but what stands out are his experiences at Camp BB Riback. “The studies that we’ve all seen over the years tell us a Jewish summer camp experience is an important component of an identification with the Jewish community for the rest of your life. In many cases, mine included. It’s where you meet your spouse,” says Howie.
“When I look at the impact, it extends for generations— from my in-laws, who were very involved with Jewish summer camps, to my wife Debbie and I, and our own children. And soon enough our grandchildren will attend the camp as well.”
Howie became involved with the UJA campaign in the 1980s after he graduated from university. He grew up understanding how important supporting the Jewish community was from an individual perspective and an organizational point of view. “I understood from an early age that we had to give tzedakah. We had to help one another. That’s how we build a powerful community,” he adds.
At this stage of his life, Howie thinks of the future and how the UJA campaign is a critical part of creating a future for Jewish Edmonton.
...continued from Page 1 “I think of how important it is that we plant that seed today. Although, we might not see the tree grow and not enjoy the fruit from that tree. Our parents, grandparents and great-grandparents did that for us. They had that foresight. I’m really pleased to be part of an organization with a vast group of volunteers who, together with our professional staff, want to plant that seed today for the future,” he says.
Darryl believes that by donating to the campaign, contributors will feel a larger connection to the community, as well as doing their part to support Jewish Edmonton. “Whether it’s doing something for the community, the city at large, for Israel, or Jews around the world, you’re going to feel like more of a part of something you’ve contributed towards,” he says.
Howie adds donors are helping our community to thrive and survive. “I can’t think of a more important investment to make. I hope everyone will consider deeply how important the untold hours of volunteer time for the Federation’s program and services are. The impact of that time and effort is maximized, and the financial support provided by our annual community campaign strengthens our community. I hope they understand that’s why supporting the UJA is so important.”
Holocaust education ongoing for Jewish Edmonton
Holocaust education is continuous for the Jewish Federation of Edmonton. We have programs running year-round. Kristallnacht was marked online this year, starting with the launch of the virtual exhibit of Stars without a Heaven: Children of the Holocaust on November 8. Yad Vashem museum staff provided a tour. This is part of an overall program with the Federations in Ottawa and Hamilton and the Canadian Society for Yad Vashem to bring three Yad Vashem exhibits into public spaces in Edmonton and surrounding communities.
After the launch, we will work to bring the physical exhibit (comprising 14 double-sided stand-alone panels) into public spaces, beginning with a showing at Ross Sheppard High School in mid-November.
The annual Dianne and Irving Kipnes Holocaust Education Symposium went online last spring, because of COVID-19. We partnered with Calgary to bring virtual content to Edmonton area high schools. Because of the school semester system and the relative ease of offering online content, Calgary is organizing the virtual symposium both in the spring and the fall this academic year.
We plan to bring this content to Edmonton schools. There is an increase in participation and positive feedback from the educators about both the content and the delivery and we are pleased to bring this important material to students.
March of the Living has been on hiatus for the past two years. We are working on the possibility of offering a trip this spring 2022 with other communities across Canada. More information will be available at a later date.
Hakol is published three times a year by the Jewish Federation of Edmonton.
