October 2, 2026
Jordan Balaban, CJA '00 | Current CJA Staff
All legacies start somewhere, and for Jordan Balaban, a Grade 9 graduate from CJA’s Class of 2000, his began before he was born and will likely continue for generations to come. Today, Jordan serves as the CEO of the CJA, giving back to the school and community that helped shape him.
October 1, 2026
Jonah Maerov, CJA '23
There are many ways to make an impact on the Jewish community, and Jonah Maerov, a 2023 Grade 9 alumnus, intends to inspire those around him through his unique path. Jonah has always recognized the importance of coming together as a group and building a family, whether through school, volunteering, or his athletic career.
September 30, 2026
Rabbi Lara Rodin, CJA '10
Many in our community share a love of Jewish learning, and Rabbi Lara Rodin, a CJA 2010 Grade 9 alumna, embodies it deeply. Lara not only has a passion for Jewish learning, but also for helping Jewish children discover their own spark for their history and tradition.
September 29, 2026
Dr. A. Mark Joffe, CHS '69
Helping others has been a lifelong commitment for Mark Joffe. A Grade 6 graduate of Calgary Hebrew School who continued his Hebrew studies through Grade 12, Mark looks back fondly on his school years and the lasting relationships he’s built within the community.
September 28, 2026
Joel Cohen, ILP '79
It is often said that comedy comes in threes; nevertheless, for Joel Cohen, an I.L. Peretz School Grade 6, 1979 graduate, it came before the punchline. With his wit, Joel decided that the only natural path for him was to become a television comedy writer and to share his love of comedy with the world.
September 27, 2026
Larry Katz, CHS '65
The beauty of learning is vast and complex, and Larry Katz, a 1965 Grade 6 graduate of Calgary Hebrew School who continued his Hebrew studies through Grade 12, understands this well. A second-generation member of the school community, Larry and his wife, Deborah, still live in Calgary and remain closely connected to the CJA community.
September 26, 2026
Shelly Gelfand, CHS '82 | Current CJA Staff
Making a difference in children's lives has always been a priority for Shelly Gelfand, but it was her own kids who helped bring her back to where her story began. A CHS 1982 Grade 9 alumna, Shelly returned to CJA as Principal in the summer of 2025, choosing the school she and later, her children, attended.
September 25, 2026
Kinsley Stella, CJA '25
Kinsley may not have been born on the stage, but she would do anything to stay there. This 2025 CJA alumna proves that great achievements are possible at any age. She is currently a professional dancer and social media micro-influencer.
September 24, 2026
Jackie Halpern, CHS '80
To help each other and to always do what’s best for each other and the community. For Jackie Halpern, this is what it means to live by the value of Tikkun Olam in her family, career, and community involvement. A CHS 1980 Grade 9 alumna, Jackie currently lives in Calgary and has practiced law as a civil litigator for 35 years.