FEATURES
2025-2026 Board of Directors
Gr. 6 Shabbaton
Alumni Highlight Bruce Mintz, ’58
A significant portion of the bursaries families receive are funded by the annual UJA campaign. Todah Rabah!
MESSAGE FROM THE EDITOR
Dear Families, Alumni, Supporters and Friends,
Happy Summer!
The 2024-2025 school year has just about wrapped up! As usual, we just blink and the year is over. This summer let’s all be mindful and breath in the sights and sounds of summer, wherever you may be spending it.
Wishing you all a healthy and joyful July and August, surrounded by loved ones.
Natalie Soroka, Executive Assistant
Talmud Torah Society
You can reach me at 780-481-3377 or Email me!
Message from Noga Vaisblat
President, Talmud Torah Society
Dear Talmud Torah Families and Community Members,
As we reflect on another vibrant and productive year at Talmud Torah, I’m pleased to share highlights from the President’s Report delivered at our 113th Annual General Meeting on June 10, 2025. You can find the complete report here. This past year was marked by growth, collaboration, and significant progress across many facets of our Society’s work, all rooted in our shared commitment to educational excellence and Jewish values.
Governance remained strong and focused. Our Board and Executive met consistently, ensuring transparent and strategic decision-making. The Board demonstrated diligence and professionalism, advancing capital projects, curriculum development, community partnerships, and much more.
Financial stewardship was another priority. Under the leadership of our Treasurer James Friedman, the Society maintained responsible oversight of our budget while navigating rising operational costs. We prepared for major capital investments – including a full roof replacement – while sustaining a healthy financial position. Our ability to fund essential programs and services reflects this careful planning.
The Early Learning Centre (ELC) continues to flourish under the steady guidance of its leadership team and committee. This year, we focused on aligning programming, enrollment, and staffing with our broader goals, and introduced a new Hebrew and JS curriculum. Our licensing record is fantastic which is a testament to the hard work of Sacha, Jennie and the educators. The ELC team is exploring moving our Out of School Care (OSC) to the lunchroom, which will allow increasing the number of children in the ELC to reduce our growing waitlist.
Academically, there has been tremendous advancement in the development of our Hebrew Language Arts and Judaic Studies programming. With the leadership of Michelle Huberman and consultant Nurit Reshef, we created robust implementation guides for Grades K–6, introduced a centralized online resource hub, and began piloting a new Hebrew framework in the ELC.
This work was only possible through close collaboration with our school principal, Darin Johnson. His dedication to Jewish education and strong partnership with the Board has been a cornerstone of our progress. Through collaborative discussions, the Society allocated $375,000 to support key educational initiatives, including smaller class sizes, enhanced Judaic programming, and targeted academic support.
Safety and security also remained top of mind. Despite not receiving external grant funding this year, we continued to prioritize on-site security through casino funds, operational budgets, and parent contributions. Upgrades to surveillance and entry protocols further reflect our commitment to a safe and secure environment for all.
One standout initiative this year was the launch of a new Grade 6 graduation program, culminating in a meaningful Shabbaton in collaboration with the Calgary Jewish Academy and Camp BB. The program focused on practical life skills, Jewish identity, and peer connection, including a memorable video call with Grade 6 students in Israel.
The AGM was very well attended. Thank you to all who came, shared their thoughts and asked questions. Following the elections, we welcomed two new board members and three returning board members, and we now have a full board for the first time in several years. Looking ahead, we will be developing a new strategic plan, supported by community surveys and workshops, to guide our Society into the future. Although much has been accomplished, there is still more to do. With your continued involvement, generosity, and support, I am confident that we will continue to build a strong, inclusive, and dynamic Jewish educational community.
With gratitude,
Noga Vaisblat, President
Our New 2025-2026 Board of Directors
Our Annual General Meeting on June 10, 2025 was well attended and has brought both new faces and long-time members to the 2025-2026 board.
The newly elected board will convene several times throughout the summer to orient new members to their roles and responsibilities, review governance protocols, and begin strategic planning for the upcoming school year. Key areas of focus will include school security measures, board policy updates, committee assignments, and setting priorities to effectively support the administration and staff.
Grade 6 Shabbaton 2025
By: Ari Sniderman
Eighteen Grade 6 students from Edmonton Talmud Torah and Calgary Jewish Academy enjoyed a meaningful Shabbaton experience from June 6–8 at Camp BB-Riback on Pine Lake, Alberta.
The winds gusted between 60 and 80 km/h in Pine Lake on Saturday, June 8, but the prayer and discussion inside the Olam at Camp BB was even more powerful than the rattling windows and knocking on the roof.
For this was the weekend that ten Edmonton Talmud Torah and eight Calgary Jewish Academy Grade 6 students came together for a Shabbaton.
Arriving on Friday, June 7, they toured the camp and reunited with TT alumni who had recently completed their university studies and were preparing to work at camp for the summer. Director Stacy Shaikin welcomed everyone as they picked up their Shabbaton t-shirts and headed off to unpack.
Six parent chaperones accompanied the Shabbaton, and they were surprised to see how much it meant to them, not least because they saw the learning their kids had been doing for so long at the Jewish schools. Students sang songs and prayers for Kabbalat Shabbat and played Jewish Charades for Oneg. After Shabbat morning services, the participants read and discussed the Book of Ruth and the connection between Ruth and their upcoming (or recent) b’nei mitzvot. They talked about the top elements of Judaism that make up who they are as a Jewish person. For some, it was visiting Israel; for others, learning Torah; most included “spending holidays with family” in their top three. Finally, they looked at dilemmas like “are you comfortable wearing a Magen David necklace at junior high next year?” and “should we swim or play soccer after lunch?”
Despite the wind, the pool was open and a Shabbat shmooze in the pool was a great way to spend the afternoon. Havdalah included karaoke and more sports in the field, and in the morning wrap-up everyone expressed gratitude for the camp staff, chaperones, and the opportunity to participate. The location, people, and program allowed for a lot of social, active, and Jewish experiences that left participants and staff inspired and rejuvenated as members of the Jewish community.
Year-End Assembly & Gr. 6 Farewell
Families came together to celebrate the accomplishments, growth, and spirit of our Kindergarten to Grade 6 students at the school’s Year-End Assembly. The event was a heartwarming showcase of learning, creativity, and community.
Following a wonderful presentation by the Kindergarten class, students from Grades 1 and 2 proudly showcased their Hebrew learning through song and prayer, sharing their knowledge of the Siddur and Chumash. Principal Johnson then made presentations to two Edmonton Public Schools staff members departing TT, including a heartfelt farewell to long-time school administrative assistant Jo Barta, in recognition of her retirement and 18 years of dedicated service. We wish Jo all the best!
Guests enjoyed a meaningful slideshow featuring highlights from the school year, followed by a Grade 6 farewell message and a beautiful musical performance by students in Grades 3 to 6, featuring guitars, ukuleles, xylophones, and glockenspiels.
After the singing of Hatikvah, Grade 1 students were each presented with a personally inscribed Siddur, while Grade 2 students received their very own Chumash – cherished milestones in their educational journeys.
Maccabi Games & Last Day of School
Students were thrilled that the last day of school coincided with the annual Maccabiah Games – TT’s version of the “Jewish Olympics”. Organized by teachers Jessica Holtzman and Marlee Soroka, with the support of TT School Council Co-Chair Cara Greenspan, the afternoon was packed with energy, excitement, and school spirit.
To help bring the day to life, School Council partnered with Sports for Kids, an organization that specializes in athletic programming for schools. Students rotated through a series of action-packed stations, including Wild Ball, Survival, Soccer Baseball, Tennis, Active Games, Last One Standing, Star Wars, and the always-popular Dunk Tank.
A special guest appearance from Ari the TT mascot added to the fun. Ari was met with enthusiastic hugs and high fives, and even took a turn trying to dunk Moreh Ari into the tank!
What a spirited way to wrap up the school year!
Alumni Highlight – Bruce Mintz Class of ’58
I started kindergarten at the Talmud Torah School located in the Driscoll Building on 103 street south of Jasper Avenue. I remember the school yard in front of the school was tin, and being transported to school in a taxicab from our home with a few other students. This was well before the days of a school-bus that picked up my own children. Then the school was moved to 133 Street and 106 Avenue.
Our class was comprised of 27 or so students. I recall Frank Phillet, Jeff Dvorkin and I were the smallest kids in the class. In Kindergarten we had Mrs.Goelman as our kindergarten teacher. Mr. Goelman was the principal. Mike and Lisa did the cooking of the kosher lunches. Even though my home was less than a block from the school, I usually ate my lunch at school.
In about 1954 Jack Chetner, who was from New York, was hired as a teacher at the school. Mr. Yedlin was also there. They were two of the best Hebrew teachers I ever had. I had wonderful English program teachers like Mrs. McLeod in grade 3 and Mrs. Flint in grade 6.
One of my fondest memories of Talmud Torah was the Junior Congregation program run by Mr. Chetner and Mr. Yedlin. We, the students, ran the services. This is how we got ready for our Bar Mitzvahs. Every student who went to it got a part or parts of the services to perform. Then afterwards we had cookies and ice cream. I attended over 90% of the Shabbos’ over the years.
What was Talmud Torah’s impact on me? It was a major contributor to my identity as a Jewish person, religiously and educationally. It has equipped me with those tools needed to understand my Judaism and the value system needed to participate in the Jewish and general community.
The Edmonton Talmud Torah is an essential Jewish institution that deserves complete support from the Edmonton Jewish Community. Without it, we do not have a meaningful Jewish community. It is an important vehicle that bridges the generations by ensuring our Jewish heritage is handed down from the parents to their children. I salute all the parents who have sent and do send their children to Talmud Torah. Having been established in 1912 it holds the distinction of being the oldest Jewish day school in Canada. Let us support this best institution.
TT ELC
Talmud Torah Early Learning Centre
A Journey of Transformation: Caterpillars in the ELC!
Over the past few weeks, children and educators at the Early Learning Centre have observed with awe as tiny caterpillars munched on leaves and steadily grew. In time, they crawled to the top of their container and formed cocoons, hanging still and silent in preparation for their next stage.
This hands-on experience has been beautifully enriched through the ELC’s Judaic and Hebrew curriculum, deepening the children’s understanding of growth, change, and the natural world. As they eagerly await the butterflies’ emergence, the children are learning valuable lessons in patience, wonder, and the beauty of transformation.
Talmud Torah School Council
School Councils, as described by Edmonton Public Schools, are “collective associations of parents, teachers, secondary students, principals, staff, and community representatives who work together to effectively support and enhance student learning.” At TT, the School Council (TTSC) does exactly that and more! With heart, dedication, and a deep belief in the value of enriched learning, TTSC brings classroom concepts to life in meaningful ways.
As part of the Grade 3 Social Studies curriculum Communities in the World, TTSC helped transform learning into an immersive cultural journey. Over the year, parent volunteers prepared ingredients for recipes from Peru, Ukraine, India and Tunisia so students could cook, taste, and reflect on traditional dishes from each country. These experiences didn’t just engage the senses – they opened windows to other cultures and helped students connect more deeply to what they were learning.
Most recently, while exploring Tunisia, students cooked shakshuka, couscous, and lablabi – a warm, comforting chickpea stew. Some dishes were met with enthusiasm, others with curiosity, and some with surprise. But each reaction was a chance to practice descriptive writing, and share opinions.
Thanks to TTSC, learning at TT isn’t just something students read about. It’s something they taste, feel, and remember.
Throughout the school year, TTSC has created countless meaningful opportunities to support our students – from pizza lunches and cooking experiences to providing agendas, school calendars, and cherished yearbooks. Their dedication has touched every corner of student life.
The joy and excitement of the Maccabi Games on the last day of school would not have been possible without their incredible support. A heartfelt thank you to all the parents who supported the pizza lunch program and other initiatives – your involvement directly helps make these special moments and lasting memories possible for our students.
AJP@TT (Ancillary Judaic Program)
AJP is a Society program in partnership with Kadima Academy, providing an optional after-school Hebrew language and Judaic curriculum from a Modern Orthodox perspective.
Through stories, discussions, and creative activities, our students are deepening their connection to Jewish heritage and identity.
As we wrap up another incredible year at AJP, we want to take a moment to celebrate our amazing students, dedicated teachers, and the meaningful learning that took place week after week.
“After a long and meaningful year, we’ve reached the final parasha of this school year! Kol hakavod to all the children for their learning and dedication. This year, we focused on the Book of Bemidbar and studied the parshiot of Beha’alotcha, Shelach, Chukat, Korach, and Balak. On Mondays, we also explored halacha, the holidays, the Land of Israel, and Shabbat. Once again, congratulations to all the children, and thank you to AJP for the opportunity!” – Rabbi Tal
A heartfelt thank-you to all of our dedicated educators – Moreh Yitzchak, Morah Daniella, and Rabbi Tal – for the passion and care they brought into every lesson. Your impact has made this year one to remember. We’re already looking forward to what’s ahead for the 2025–2026 school year!
If you have any questions or would like to register your child, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at info@kadimaacademy.com
Wishing everyone a wonderful summer!
—The AJP board
Friedman Scholarship Supports March of the Living Experience
By: Rena Uretsky, Class of 2018
Every year, thousands of students participate in the March of the Living, a journey that takes them to the very heart of Holocaust history. For me, as a Grade 11 student, this experience was transformative, leaving a profound impact that will last a lifetime.
Before embarking on the March of the Living, I had studied the Holocaust at Talmud Torah and briefly in high school. I had read books, watched documentaries, and listened to various survivors share their harrowing experiences. Yet, nothing could have prepared me for the reality of standing in Treblinka, walking the same paths as my own family who suffered and perished years before. Seeing the barracks, the gas chambers, and the piles of shoes was overwhelming. It became more raw and real than I ever thought possible.
One of the most powerful moments for me was meeting Holocaust survivors who accompanied our group. Listening to their firsthand accounts made history deeply personal. I met a survivor named Alex Buckman, who lost his entire family in the camps and unfortunately passed away on this trip. His family had placed him and his cousin in an orphanage for the duration of the war, hoping to protect them from harm. Hearing his story, and shortly after, witnessing his passing, gave me a responsibility: to remember and to share his story with others.
Spotlight on Current TT Society Offers
