by Deborah Shatz

(EJNews) - The City of Edmonton ushered in a veryfroelich Chanukah holiday season on a grand scale with thegiant outdoor Menorah Lighting Celebration at theLegislature grounds hosted by Chabad Edmonton.

On December 6, a standing room only crowd gatheredwith Chabad Rabbi Ari and Rebbitzen Rifka Drelich insidethe legislature building to take part in the 24th annualcelebration. Dignitaries included Lieutenant Governor ofAlberta, the Honourable Lois Mitchell and her husbandDoug Mitchell, Edmonton West MP Kelly McCauley, MLAsLorne Dach, Lori Sigurdson, and Ricardo Miranda and CityCouncilor Michael Oshry as well as Jewish Federation ofEdmonton President Ellery Lew and Cantor Bertrand Maloand Kollel Rabbi Eliyahu Glatt.

Edmonton Chabad Rabbi Ari Drelich began the festivitieswith a quiet meeting of the dignitaries where he explainedthat Chanukah, the Festival of Lights is an eight day holidaythat among other things celebrates the triumph of good overevil and freedom of religious expression. An importantcomponent of the holiday is gift giving and in this spiritRabbi Ari gifted the Hon. Lois Mitchell with a beautifulmenorah and the elected officials with lovely pushkes orcharity boxes as a constant reminder of the importance ofcharitable giving and friendship.

The official event then began, emceed by Global TV's MikeSobel who welcomed the crowd to the 24th annual event andintroduced each of the speakers to the podium. Attendance atthis event was incredible. Edmontonians from all walks oflife streamed into the main floor of the legislature and theoverflow went upstairs in the gallery to view the speechesand performances.

Rabbi Drelich spoke about the meaning of Chanukah andthe inner message of the holiday - triumph of freedom overoppression and of light over darkness. He also announcedthat the public celebration would continue in Edmonton toDecember 7 when for the first time two giant menorahswould be lit at the Edmonton International Airport - one atarrivals and one at departures.

He said that the timing of this event was particularlymeaningful this year because the menorahs would greet thefirst wave of Syrian refugees as they arrived in Edmontonand welcome them to Canada, a country that treats people

with respect and embracesreligious freedom and

expression.

On behalf of the Jewish Federation of Edmontonpresident Ellery Lew welcomed the dignitaries and theseveral hundred Edmontonians who attended. Then each ofthe dignitaries spoke about the importance of celebrationssuch as Chanukah in these troubling times of internationalterror to remind people about the resilience of the Jewishpeople and their victory more than 2100 years ago overoppression and tyranny. They relayed that the holidayemphasizes the triumph of spiritual lightness, of good overevil and the importance of tikkun olam - charitable giving to

repair the world.

The celebration also featured wonderful performances ofChanukah songs by the Talmud Torah School Choir, followedby a medley of favourite holiday songs performed beautifullyby Bert Malo accompanied by pianist Paul Polushin. RabbiEliyahu Glatt also performed a rousing version of the prayer"She Hechiyanu" beginning with a stirring accapella vocaland then a spiritually uplift-ing melody with accompanimentagain from Paul Polushin.

January 11, 2016

EDMONTON

Giant Menorah lightsup the Legislature

The Talmud Torah choir performed a selection of Chanukah songs as part of the very festive Giant MenorahLighting event which drew a standing room only crowd at the Legislature. Other stellar performancesincluded songs by Cantor Bertrand Malo and Kollel Rabbi Eliyahu Glatt accompanied by pianist PaulPolushin.

Publication MailAgreement Number:40050628

On  June 23rd,2016  the JewishNational Fund andCanadian Friendsof the HebrewUniversity ofJerusalem will jointogether to paytribute to Dr. JamesShapiro at the 2016

Negev Gala. 

This year’s Negev Gala will see a uniquecollaboration of two Israel based organizations,Jewish National Fund and the HebrewUniversity to honour Dr. James Shapiro andcelebrate his dedication and many

accomplishments.

Dr. Shapiro is currently a Canadian ResearchChair in transplantation and the Director of theClinical Islet Transplant Program at theUniversity of Alberta and a Professor of Surgery,Medicine and Surgical Oncology. He is known fordeveloping the Edmonton protocol, an islettransplantation technique which has allowedmany severe diabetics to stop taking insulinentirely, although the duration of this insulinindependence does vary. The Edmonton Protocolis considered a major advancement from earliertransplantation efforts, and has regeneratedmuch interest and research into establishingislet transplantation as a regular treatmentmodality for diabetes. Dr. Shapiro continues to

lead the Edmonton team which is by far the mostsuccessful and active islet transplant programworldwide.

Canadian Friends of Hebrew University ofJerusalem and Jewish National Fund areleading the way in scientific research anddevelopment, laboratory equipment and studentscholarships enabling further research that canbenefit the international community. Proceedsfrom the 2016 Negev Gala will support theimportant work of these organizations.

For more information, sponsorship andadvertising opportunities, call 780-481-7881,email edm@jnf.ca or visit jnfedmonton.ca

Visit us online at edmontonjewishnews.com Volume 27, No. 1

James Shapiro

Save the date: JNF and CFHU honour Dr. James Shapiro

Dignitaries attending the Chanukah 2015 Giant Menorah Lighting were MP Kelly McCauley, CantorBertrand Malo, Councilor Michael Oshry, JFED President Ellery Lew, Rebbitzen Rifka Drelich, Hon. LoisMitchell and Doug Mitchell, Rabbi Ari Drelich, MLA Lori Sigurdson, MLA Ricardo Miranda and MLA LorneDach. To view more Chanukah photos visit edmontonjewishnews.com

Continued on page 3

Page 2 Edmonton Jewish News January 11, 2016

Next Deadline: February 6, 2016

Publication Mail Agreement No. 40050628Return Undeliverable Canadian Addresses to: Circulation Department:Suite A 10632 124 Street NW Edmonton AB T5N 1S3E-mail: ejnews@telus.netTel: (780) 421-7966 Fax: (780) 424-3951

Volume 26, Number 1, January, 2016

PUBLISHER / EDITOR: Deborah ShatzADVERTISING: Daniel MoserFOUNDING PUBLISHER: Barry Slawsky

For change of address, please send both old and new addresses. We welcome your stories, pictures, artwork andopinions. Please send submissions to our office at the address above.

All rights reserved. No part ofthis newspaper may bereproduced without writtenpermission from thepublisher. The opinionsexpressed herein are notnecessarily those of theEditor. Edmonton JewishNews is published by320754 Alberta Ltd.

edmontonjewishnews.com

By Martin Bankey

As Chanukah approached this year, we moved intoholiday mode at Beth Tzedek. Being a smaller congregation,we are able to host many of our social events at members’homes. This year it was Cheryl & Wayne Shur's turn; so theShur residence became “chag” central for Beth Tzedek’scelebration of Chanukah. The women usually plan out theevening, and the guys have learned to stay out of their way.These events typically take on a “pot-luck” theme whereineach member brings a different dish. They touch base with adesignated coordinator so that we don’t end up with eightplatters of “sufganiot” (not that I would complain).

Chanukah, the Festival of Lights, is always a joyousJewish holiday that commemorates the celebration of thevictory of the Maccabees and the rededication of theJerusalem Temple. It also commemorates the miracle of theoil that burned for eight days in the temple.

This past month our members gathered together onSaturday night, December 12th, which was the seventhnight of Chanukah. We started with a Havdallah servicefollowed by the lighting of the Chanukiah candles, followed

by the singing of severalsongs including “MaozTzur” and finally followed

by the food (my favourite part of the evening).

A tradition that we at Beth Tzedek have incorporated intoChanukah festivities over the past many years is theauctioning of gifts. Every member brings a merrily wrappedparcel which with the help of our resident auctioneer (thisyear it was Wayne Shur) is bid upon by the other members.We raise a fair amount of “Chanukah gelt” that in turn istargeted to a worthy cause. This year it went to Magen DavidAdom. The evening flew by, and before long expressions of“chag sameach” were combined with “Did you see where Ileft my coat?” Handshakes and hugs are exchanged,somebody will forget to take home a dish or platter that theybrought and our congregation will have, once again, enjoyedcoming together for another Jewish holiday and celebration.

The Beth Tzedek Congregation, one of Edmonton'ssmaller shuls, seeks to encourage participation and create asense of belonging for its Jewish membership. Thecongregation is committed to meeting the religious needs ofits members within the framework of an egalitarian,Conservative liturgy. It endeavors to create an atmospherethat encourages both male and female congregants, whethernew or longstanding, to participate in all facets of the

service. In keeping with the spirit and teachings of Judaism,Beth Tzedek recognizes its responsibility to the greaterJewish community and is committed to holding meaningfuleducational events as well as cooperating with the widerpopulation in any activity that contributes to “Tikkun Olam.”

We hold Shabbat Services every Saturday morning,beginning around 10 am and ending shortly after noon in thechapel room of Talmud Torah. We do not have a rabbi but wedo have our cantor Jack Goldberg who not only leads ourservices on the High Holidays but also regularly attends onShabbat. Consequently, we are a fully participatorycongregation. Our members lead all facets of the Shabbatservice. Services are typically followed by a deliciouskiddush, also provided by members of the congregation inrotation.

The Beth Tzedek Congregation has always opened itsdoors to all members of the Edmonton Jewish community aswell as the greater regional area. We encourage interestedvisitors to attend our Shabbat services as well as ourholiday-related functions and educational events. Since weemploy no full-time professional staff, our membershipfees/annual dues are very modest. Students studying awayfrom home are most welcome to attend. More informationabout Beth Tzedek can be obtained by e-mailing us atbethtzedek@shaw.ca or phone (780) 486-0172.

Thoroughly egalitarian, using familiar liturgies, we inviteyou and your family to join us for Shabbat and other majorfestival services. Chant your Bar or Bat Mitzvah Haftarahagain, listen to a dvar Torah, observe a Yortzheit, or justsimply observe. Join us for a “kiddush and kibbutz” followingthe service. Services are held in the Chapel Room at TalmudTorah, 6320 –172 Street.

On behalf of all of us at the Beth Tzedek Congregation wehope the entire Jewish community enjoyed a happy andhealthy Chanukah. Wishing you a belated Chag Sameach!

Chanukah at Beth Tzedek

Edmonton's Beth Tzedek is a small egalitarian congregation with a lot ofruach. They are pictured above enjoying their 2015 potluck Chanukahcelebration.

Candle Lighting Jan. 15 ...................4:27 pmJan. 22 ...................4:39 pmJan. 29 ...................4:53 pmFeb. 05...................5:06 pmFeb. 12...................5:20 pm

The event then adjourned outside to the grounds for the actual lighting of the menorah.Celebrants who had entered the building in daylight were now greeted by the gorgeous,dazzling display of holiday lights on the legislature grounds. The menorah, at the end of thepedway stood statuesque as a symbol of spiritual freedom, waiting for illumination. RabbiAri was joined on the lift by Hon. Lois Mitchell and Doug Mitchell as well as MLA RicardoMiranda in the lighting of the first candle of the giant menorah. For the next 8 days asuccessive candle was lit each night. so that on the last night of Chanukah 2015 onDecember 13, the entire Chanukiah was illuminated.

Following the Menorah lighting, the celebration continued inside the pedway withholiday refreshments for everyone - latkes, sufganiot, cotton candy, popcorn as well asChanukah gelt and dreidles. Rabbi Dovid Pinson, dressed as a Maccabee delighted theyoungsters with a children's program and fun for the entire family.

Giant Menorah Cont. from page 1

by Hanan Rubin

For a long time, we have been seeking ways to makeJerusalem more than just the center of the Jewish people,but also a city revived, with a young, optimistic spirit. Wesucceeded in many areas, but a major issue remained;housing prices in many neighborhoods were unaffordable foryoung people. With this in mind, the idea of raising themunicipal tax came to be, with the goal of addressing thisimportant issue. The first time we went to the governmentwith a proposal to double the municipal tax on "ghostapartments" (empty apartments owned by non-residents) inJerusalem, we were promptly shown the door: the ministersviewed this measure as potentially damaging for theirfriends abroad. While we shared the deep connection withthe very same people abroad, we insisted the move wouldpromote our shared goals of a flourishing Jerusalem. But itis in the nature of good ideas to finally break through allobstacles, and for disagreements and misunderstandings tobe solved, and eventually the idea was approved.

Not everyone thinks increasing municipal taxes for non-residents is a good idea, but such disagreements are part ofa legitimate dialogue between friends. Yet I believe we mighthave lost the context of our shared goals. In my opinion,we're looking at this all wrong. Instead of viewing theincreased taxation as a penalty for homeowners, we need tothink about this measure as an opportunity.

Jerusalem is in full bloom. Over the last few years, wehave seen much progress in education, culture, tourism andthe economy. It has bounced back from politicking, socialtensions and terror attacks. Today's Jerusalem is all aboutinnovation, creativity and optimism. Across all sectors ofsociety, Jerusalemites recognize the inherent value ofdiversity and coexistence. Jerusalem is a pilgrimage site,home to Israel's basketball champions (finally!), a place ofwondrous architecture, sacred sites, top-notch museums andworld-class restaurants. Everyone wants a part of Jerusalem– not in order to save it, but to take part in its success as acity combining tradition and innovation, religiosity anddiversity.

It is this success that has made the beating heart of the

Jewish world attractive forinvestors from the worldover. Jerusalem currentlyhas around 9,000 "ghostapartments", includingwhole neighborhoods suchas Kfar David or Mamilla, atthe very core of the city. Inthe building where I liveduntil recently, seven out of11 apartments were only inuse for a few days each year.It is sad to see wholesections of the city empty.But it is even sadder tothink of the young, dynamicpopulation that won't beable to afford an apartmentin central Jerusalem so longas there is someone who willpay more.

Jerusalem is unlike anyother city in the world. It isthe fountain of ideology andinnovation in the Jewishworld. It is a challenge andan opportunity. It enjoys a unique, mutual bond with thediaspora: connections formed here are of special significanceto Jews both home and abroad. The cohort of young leadersbeing formed in Jerusalem is hard at work breaking everyknown paradigm.

Many owners of "ghost apartments" have invested time,energy and money in Jerusalem with the best intentions atheart, and have a great share in what has become of the cityin recent years. They have done it through encouragingyoung people to be the change they dream on. But thisphenomenon has driven housing costs to the level where it isnearly impossible for the average young Jerusalemite to buyan apartment, or even rent one at a reasonable cost. Thisyoung people will not be able to stay, and that is what gavebirth to the idea of doubling municipal taxes for non-

residents. Or as I like to call it, "the pro-affordable housingtax". This new ordinance is projected to generate around 10million NIS annually, solely dedicated to creating affordablehousing for the city's young.

So before you take issue with this proposal, pleaseremember that Jerusalem is not itself without young people.Every property bought for millions of dollars only pushes ourdream of finding a home in Jerusalem away. Again, this isnot a penalty, but an opportunity: to take part in one of thegreat challenges of the contemporary Jewish world –maintaining Jerusalem as a vital, tolerant and dynamic city.

Hanan Rubin is a Jerusalem City Councilman and a co-founder of the solution-oriented political movement Wake UpJerusalem which focuses on quality of life issues for allJerusalem residents.

January 11, 2016 Edmonton Jewish News Page 3

Double the tax - Not a penalty, but an opportunity

Over 200 members of the community came out to enjoy the night out onDecember 24 (aka Christmas Eve) and celebrate in a uniquely Jewish style.Inwhat they hope will become an annual tradition, members of the Jewishcommunity of Edmonton booked the newly minted Envy Nightclub in WestEdmonton Mall that night, so that those of us without family Christmascommitments could enjoy the night with drinking, dancing, and community.The event's promoters were pleased with the eclectic turnout, and themerriment, enjoyed by all who attended. Planning is already underway forsimilar events, and a 2016 Jew Do as well.

2015 Jew Do a success!

Celebrate TuBi'Shvat

January 25, 2016

by Michael Paull

I have been in the lifeinsurance business for 30years now and my clientele hasgrown older with me. When Ifirst sold life insurancepolicies, it was to youngmarried couples who were juststarting a family, just likemyself. And back then Ipromoted and sold "Term" lifeinsurance. The idea behind it

was to buy as much as you could for the lowest cost possible.And like everyone else at the time, we knew that we wouldbe wealthy enough when we were older and would have noneed for insurance.

So here we are in 2016 and my philosophy is still the

same, and fortunately, it didwork out for many of myfriends and clients as they

did become wealthy but now they have tax problems withtheir RRIF’s or their income property, or with otherinvestments. Now that their children are out of the house,we forgot that being a grandparent means that we enjoy ourgrandkids so much more than our own children and thatuniversity costs are $7,000 a year and not $700 like when wewent to university. And now knowing how well we did andhow thankful we are, we are starting to think of leaving alegacy for the people who are not as fortunate by giving to acharity or by setting up a family foundation so that your giftwill last a life time.

All three of your goals can be accomplished with a conceptcalled an “Estate Bond.” It is easy to set up and the moneygoes directly to who you want it to go to, bypassing probateor legal fees. How it works is you decide the amount that youneed to pay your taxes, or help the grandkids with universityor leave to the charity. We then find the right way to fund it,and begin depositing monthly amounts. The key is that your

total deposit will always be less than the amount that youwill eventually have to fund any of your goals.

At some point I have to get to the real numbers so theexample I want to use, is a couple who are 65 years young.They decide they want to leave $500,000 to their favouritecharity. The amount that they have to deposit each month tothe estate bond is $760 per month. Once they make the firstpremium deposit the account has been set up immediatelyfor $500,000. If they decided that they wanted to deposit the$760 a month into a Guaranteed Savings account, at currentrates, it would take them 38 years before they have the$500,000 to give to charity. That would put them at 103 yearsold. Not only have they created the charitable giftimmediately but they also can deduct the full amount for taxpurposes.

To look into this possibility, give me a call at 780-425-5635.

Michael Paull is president of MICOL Consultants Inc.specializing in insurance and retirement savings andplanning. He can be reached at michael@micol.ca.

Grandkids - Charity or Taxes

People get together andform relationships. They endup sharing a lot and keepingsome things separate.

Statistics say that between35% and 42% of marriages areprojected to end in divorcebefore the thirtieth weddinganniversary. Breakup rates forcommon-law and conjugalrelationships are similar orslightly higher.

The purpose of this articleis not to instruct individuals going into a relationship of waysto ensure that they are prepared for the day when therelationship will break up. Rather we at Moses AdvisoryGroup Inc. see the glass half full and hope that allrelationships are going to be in the 60% and stay married for30 years or more.

However, you may come to a point in time when therelationship is headed for the parties moving in differentdirections. This is a time that we say both parties should belooking at ways to ensure the separation is done in a

equitable manner.

Most of the separation ofproperty takes place under

the guidance of Matrimonial Property Act for marriedcouples. Things are little more uncertain for those inconjugal and common-law relationships. In manyrelationship breakups where there are assets or significantjoint debts, there are undertakings (agreements) where eachparty accepts which assets and which liabilities they willtake possession of and agree to be responsible for therepayment of.

Unfortunately there are no consequences other thanadditional litigation should either of the parties fail to live upto the obligations of the agreement.

For the most part there is agreement and compliance asto which assets will go with which party. The hiddenlandmine, for either party, occurs when the other party failsto fulfill their obligations to continue servicing the joint debtsthat they had agreed to be responsible for.

An example of this would be where a couple has two jointcredit cards, each with a balance of approximately $20,000.Each party agrees to be responsible for the repayment of oneof the cards. At some point one party stops making paymentsand the creditor initiates collection actions which not onlyinclude the party who indicated they would take

responsibility but also you as the co-debtor. You’d beenmaking accelerated payments on the card you agreed to beresponsible for to get the balance low. Now all of a suddenyou are fully responsible for the other $20,000, and yourprevious partner has only been making minimum payments.This is the kind of surprise no one wants to encounter.

Another possible negative consequence is as you arepaying down your credit card your ex-partner is continuingto use the available credit on the card therefore pushing theindebtedness of the card you agreed to be responsible forback to its original debt level or even higher.

We at Moses Advisory Group Inc. would suggest that anycouple, be they married or in a common-law or in a conjugalrelationship, seriously consider filing independent proposalsto their joint debt creditors as part of their final financialseparation arrangements. Being a federally licensedadministrator of proposals, Moses Advisory Group Inc. candevelop a creditor and court-approved arrangement for therepayment of these unsecured debts.

The advantage of these court-approved proposals is thatshould one party fail to live up to their proposal paymentobligations, the creditors only have the ability to take actionagainst that party. As long as the other party continues tomeet their proposal payment obligations no further actions

Protect yourself from debt

Page 4 Edmonton Jewish News January 11, 2016

Michael Paull

Jim Moses

Continued on page 5

Moses Advisory Group Inc.Developing options for dealing withoverwhelming

debtKathleen Jacob • James Moses

780-473-6333200, 9913 - 108 Avenue NW, Edmonton

debt-advisory-group.com

To kick off the January "Focus on Finance" feature,Edmonton Jewish News askedInvestment Adviser Joel Rebohfor his financial forecast for2016. On December 26, 2015 heprovided this response.

Apple, Google, and Microsoftare now larger market cap thanExxon Mobile. Amazon andFacebook are trailing closebehind. The investment world isa really exciting place right now,but if you're not a technologymaven (did you know maven isYiddish?) or have been investing

mostly in Canada, then you may be feeling muddled.

What is going on?

The technology giants I've mentioned above seem to be ona never ending quest, racing to conquer as much digitalspace as possible. And let me tell you, Zuckerberg, Brin, andPage, the gut gesheft mensches who started Google andFacebook, are experts at minimizing their competitors! We'retalking about serial monopolists here. Moreover, Amazon'sJeff Bezos went from a guy who peacefully sold books out ofhis house to brick and mortar retail's worst nightmare. Justlook at Walmart, typically a staple investment for pensionfunds, declined 35% last year; no doubt shopping on Amazonhas had some impact on their in-store sales. Theseentrepreneurs are filling a vacuum of territory that to thisday is only just starting to be discovered and its scope fullyunderstood. So much so, that when I tell a prospect that aname like Facebook has been a top holding of mine for manyyears, they look at me like I peddle penny stocks. You knowthat look…the one your bubby gave you when she

disapproved.

Remember, one of the main reasons we invest in the stockmarket is because it is flexible. The market has providedgreat returns over the past several years, but with volatilitylikely to rise in 2016, inexperienced investors shouldconsider taking some risk off the table by purchasing saferinvestments (i.e. add to fixed income positions). Themarket's run may have been hinged on quantitative easingand China's growth, the first is gone and the latter is inquestion.

So what to look out for in 2016?

A possible return to value investing in the US instead ofinvesting for growth in the US. More of an expert stockpicker's environment.

Robotics: I just purchased my daughters their firstprogrammable robot and the trend does not seem to beslowing down. Can the latest in robot technology give atraditional business a leg up on its competitor?

Oil prices and the high US dollar should give tailwinds toJapan, Europe and India. We'll see if they can take the bullby its horns. If they don't succeed under these circumstances,it could be worrisome.

Israel’s modern economy is in a great position to fostermore long term growth.

A weak Canadian currency could possibly get weaker.Interest rates in Canada may fall.

The only thing that excites me in Canada is a fewmanufacturing companies and the supposed potential of themarijuana industry… it's hard for technology to disrupt that.

The views, recommendations and opinions expressedherein are those of Joel Reboh, Investment Advisor, and donot necessarily reflect those of TD Wealth PrivateInvestment Advice and are not specifically endorsed by TD

Wealth Private Investment Advice. The views,recommendations and opinions are subject to change basedon market and other conditions and are for informationpurposes only.

Joel Reboh is an Investment Advisor with TD WealthPrivate Investment Advice. Joel and his wife, Christina, areengaged in many volunteer activities inside and outside ofthe Jewish Community. Joel is the President of WEJCC, thelargest Edmonton Jewish Facebook group and has beenengaged in Junior Achievement for over six years. Christina,is Chair of the Israel Heritage Fest Pavilion, Chair of BethIsrael's Purim event, and heads Edmonton’s PomegranateWomen, a social and spiritual group for young adult women.They are the proud parents of three loving and energeticgirls: Gaira (4 ¾ years), Carmi (2 ½ years), and Shea (3months).

can be taken by any of the joint creditors for failure of thejoint partner to meet their proposal obligations. Therefore byentering into court-approved proposals each party does nothave to worry about any joint creditors commencing anyfurther actions against them as long as they maintain theirproposal payment obligations .

These proposals are structured so as to reflect the relativeability of each party to repay the debt, therefore theproposals are designed to ensure the long-term viability ofthe proposal.

By working with MosesAdvisor Group Inc. eachparty can ensure thatthey’re moving forward on

their own and on the best financial foundation possible giventhe circumstances.

For information call 780-473-6333.

January 11, 2016 Edmonton Jewish News Page 5

Debt Cont. from page 4

Joel Reboh

Technology Disruptions 2: Serial Monopolists

Last month former Canadian Justice Minister IrwinCotler was honoured for his outstandingcontributions by World Jewish Congress and theInternational Council of Jewish Parliamentarians(ICJP) in Jerusalem.

Irwin Cotler honoured

Moving?Moved? Don'tmiss a single

issue ofEdmonton

Jewish News.Email

ejnews@telus.net or call

780-421-7966with your new

address.

Page 6 Edmonton Jewish News January 11, 2016

As an extension of the grade 2 Social Studies program, Mrs. Lee's art class is carving inukshuks in soap stone. The Grade 8 Boys have been working on Canadianhistory. As an in-class project, the students created Trivia Board games. Daycare students worked very hard on learning all the things we need to wear to go outsidesafely and warmly in the winter months.

Renowned Jewish artist, Rabbi Avraham Cohen, recently visited Menorah Academy and held a special demonstration on the art of Ktivah tamah or pure writing.Rabbi Cohen, with his steady hand, created vibrant pieces of art using a calligraphy pen. For a super-fun (and yummy!) afternoon activity, Chef Eddie gave studentsa hands-on cookie baking demo. Kindergarten had a great time visiting the local fire hall during their fire safety field trip. Thanks to station # 4 for a terrificafternoon!

In celebration of Chanukah, Menorah’s Grade 3-4 girls filled their hands with glue and gold to create spectacular golden open books embellished with the candlelighting brachos and the Maoz Tzur. During Mrs. Lavy's Ivrit class students created beautiful Menorahs using glass tiles, glue, mortar and clay. Students, from Toddlersthrough Grade 2, celebrated Chanukah with a charming performance.

Chanukah activities and other recent events at Menorah Academy

by Regan Naomi Treewater-Lipes

Once a year something spectacular, extraordinary, andtruly magical occurs within the walls of TalmudTorah School.  As Jewish families far and wide gather theirnearest and dearest to commemorate those long ago wicksthat burned so bright for eight miraculous nights, staff atthe ELC attempt a little modern day miracle of theirown.  An ordinary school gymnasium by day, but by nighton this annual occasion, their little hint of enchantmentand ample community dedication transforms the gym intoa Hanukkah wonderland.    The rich oily smells of freshlatkes and decadent sufganiyot waft through the halls,twinkling holiday lights sparkle like gems and thewonderful sound of children’s laughter echoes with heart-warming jubilance. 

There is never a shortage of children’s activities at TT’s

annual Hanukkah party butthis year the organizers reallyraised the bar.  In addition to a

bouncy house there was a professional face-painter, aballoon artist, and a special visit from everyone’s favoritestorybook feline - Pete the Cat! Fuelled by chocolate gelt,children from nineteen-months to five-years old danced thenight away to some classic Hanukkah favourites - jumping,twirling and swirling with delight.  Mothers with infants intow were able to make use of a tiny-tots play area, sonobody was left out of the festivities.

But this year, in addition to the mirth and excitement ofthe long awaited Hanukkah bash, the ELC was proud to beable to bring to fruition a mitzvah of the heart.  Thanks tothe generosity and infinite kindness of professionalphotographer John Findlay who so graciously donated notonly his time but expertise, the ELC was able to offer partygoers the opportunity to take family portraits for only$18.  All proceeds from the fundraiser went directly to theSalmanov family - members of the TT community to whom

the ELC has gladly extended their hand.   Recently, theiryoungest child was diagnosed with an aggressive form ofcancer.    This brave little nineteen-month-old girl iscurrently undergoing chemotherapy with a specialistin Toronto.  This time of year - no matter how you celebrate- is a time for family, a time for warmth, and a time forcloseness.    Organizers were very pleased that throughcommunity efforts they were able to give this family somemuch needed financial peace-of-mind.

After all the streamers came down, the last dreidel wasspun, and the final latke eaten, the hearts of the ELCchildren remained aglow with memories of fun, games,crafts and Hanukkah magic. These children, whose smilesbeamed for  Findlay’s camera, were unaware how muchtheir parents' donations meant for one family’s Haunukkah– perhaps one day they too will be humbled and proud to bea part of such a supportive and benevolent community.  Onething is for certain though; there was enough Hanukkahmagic in the air at the ELC’s party to keep us all eager fornext year!

January 11, 2016 Edmonton Jewish News Page 7

Students in the Talmud Torah Early Learning Centre not only played draidel but they became draidels during their Hanukkah celebrations.

The entire Talmud Torah community of students, teachers, families and friends came together for a wonderful Hanukkah Assembly that included livelyperformances by all of the classes.

Holiday magic at Talmud Torah

This month's update from Talmud Torah School

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Page 8 Edmonton Jewish News January 11, 2016

M.D., PH.D., FRCSC

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SAVE THE DATEthursday, june 23, 2016 - timms centre for the arts - university of alberta

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