September and October have been a whirlwind of emotions at the Calgary Jewish Academy, where our community has come together to honour, remember, and celebrate significant moments in Jewish and Canadian history.
One year after the tragic events of October 7th, as a school and community we paused to remember the victims of the horrific massacre of innocent people. Our Junior High students hosted an impactful assembly for the Calgary Jewish community, creating a space for reflection and remembrance. Through honouring the memory of the victims, we came together to reaffirm our commitment to peace. Additionally, we had several of our students take the initiative to volunteer at the community October 7th Commemoration, hosted by Calgary Jewish Federation.
Our commitment to understanding and healing extended beyond our own community as we honoured the Day of Truth and Reconciliation. Staff and students wore orange shirts, symbolizing solidarity with the 150,000 First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children affected by residential schools. Engaging in meaningful activities, our students are learning to recognize the importance of respect, reconciliation, and a future built on shared understanding.
In a more joyful moment, we gathered to celebrate Rosh Hashanah as a school community. Together our students enjoyed the traditional treat of apples and honey, generously sponsored by the Rabinovitch and Gelman families, ushering in a sweet new year filled with hope and possibilities. Rabbi Russ Jayne also made a visit to the CJA to share in customs and traditions of the Jewish New Year, including shofar-blowing that filled the air with the spirit of renewal.
As we write this article we are preparing for Yom Kippur, the most solemn day in the Jewish calendar. In the days leading ahead to this meaningful holiday, our students are taking the time to reflect on its meaning. Through classroom discussions and personal reflections, they are connecting with the customs of the holiday, making these moments both educational and deeply personal.
These past months have shown us how essential it is to connect, both with our peers and on a personal level. Whether through honouring the past, celebrating together, or reflecting on our shared traditions, we are reminded that our strength lies in our community. At CJA, we believe that learning and growing together fosters academic development and a deep sense of belonging and purpose. As we move forward, these moments of connection will continue to shape our students, empowering them to build a future rooted in understanding, respect, and shared values.