For some, the call to help others is second nature, yet for Mark Joffe, a CHS Grade 12 alumnus from 1975, it’s how he walks through every step of his life. His memories of the school remain fond, and the relationships he’s made in the community are even stronger. Mark currently lives in Edmonton – although he describes himself as “still a Calgarian at heart! He served as Chief Medical Officer of Health for the Province of Alberta, and as a professor of medicine at the University of Alberta
The CJA offered Mark more than education; it provided the foundations for a strong Jewish education, culture, and Hebrew language proficiency. The connection to the CJA begins even before his story began. His grandfather, Joe Joffe, was one of the founders of the Calgary Hebrew School, while his father, Yale Joffe, was very involved, serving as President of the Board and in various other roles over many years, along with his uncles Cy Joffe and Frank Kettner. In his words, “It was a true community, a place where everybody knew your name.” He nostalgically continues, “Friendships were forged and a lifetime of memories were created.”
One of these memories that holds a special place was the summer his Grade 9 class spent in Israel in 1972. He remembers practicing Hebrew skills, touring the country, and meeting up with another group from New Orleans. A familiar face and fellow alumnus, Larry Katz, then a high school student, was their group’s chaperone. Although Mark laughs, “I’m not sure he had as good a time as we did!”
With the fondness Mark speaks of for his community, it is no surprise that it led him down a path of helping others through the Jewish values he holds dear. Over the years, Mark has pursued his passion for medicine with a commitment to compassion, altruism, and lifelong learning.
Mark has achieved many accomplishments in his life, including notable recognition for teaching, mentorship, research, innovation, and advocacy. However, in his eyes, Mark’s first true pinnacle of his career was when he received the Hebrew Proficiency award at Grade 12 graduation. Nevertheless, his sense of humour has no doubt helped him overcome some tough challenges. “On the less positive side,” Mark sighs, “my crushing loss to Howie Sniderman for the Athletic Award in Grade 6 still fills me with remorse.”
Through his journey, Mark speaks fondly of his deeply fulfilling life and brings joy to each word as he recounts how the CJA instilled resilience, a passion for learning, and a Jewish identity that never wavered. There is no doubt that the road to get where he is now required tenacity, but his roots remained strong, always.