For more than 110 years, the Talmud Torah Society (TTS) has been at the heart of Jewish education in Edmonton. Since partnering with Edmonton Public Schools (EPSB) in 1975, we’ve offered children the best of both worlds; Alberta’s strong academic foundation, enriched with Hebrew language, Judaic studies, and the timeless values that unite our community.
While EPSB funding covers the regular K-6 curriculum, it does not fund the elements that make Talmud Torah uniquely ours. These include Judaic instruction, cultural celebrations, the Grade 6 Shabbaton, class interventions and milestone gifts like the Grade 1 Siddur and Grade 2 Chumash. All are made possible through Society contributions, donations and grants.
How Your Support Makes a Difference
At Talmud Torah Society, every student’s experience is shaped by a combination of funding sources that work together to create an exceptional learning environment:
- Society Contributions from Families: These contributions directly fund the programs, experiences, and cultural traditions that make Talmud Torah special. From Hebrew and Judaic studies to milestone celebrations, your contributions transform learning into meaningful and memorable experiences.
- Government and EPSB Funding: These resources provide the strong academic foundation of Alberta’s curriculum and help support childcare subsidies.
- Grants and Charitable Contributions: From the Jewish Federation of Edmonton’s United Jewish Appeal (UJA) to casino proceeds and targeted enrichment or security grants, these funds allow us to enhance programs and opportunities beyond the basics.
- Volunteers and Community Donors: The generosity of our community extends far beyond financial support. Volunteers who dedicate their time to events like our casinos directly create opportunities that benefit every student.
Together, these resources create an environment where children don’t just learn, they thrive, celebrate their heritage, and carry forward the values that unite our community. Every contribution, whether through fees, donations, or time, helps build the Talmud Torah experience that families have cherished for over a century.
Every dollar contributed by families directly supports our students’ learning, growth, and well-being. In 2025–26, the Society funded K-6 programs, services, and staff to make our school a vibrant, enriching, and safe place for every child:
- 41% — Judaic Studies and Hebrew Language Programs: Textbooks, resources, holiday materials, and extended instruction that make our cultural and religious programs meaningful, as well as for the coordination of Jewish programming.
- 28% — Enhancing Learning Support: Provides targeted assistance to meet students’ individual needs, whether through smaller class sizes, additional staff support, co-teaching, or focused small-group interventions.
- 13% — Society Staff Funding: Covers compensation for the small, dedicated team who oversee the Early Learning Centre, bookkeeping, and administration, ensuring programs and operations run smoothly every day.
- 6% — Administrative Essentials: Includes necessary operational costs, such as insurance, legal support, office administration, and technology to keep the Society running efficiently.
- 12% — Community Support: Bursaries for families in need, offsetting unfulfilled contributions.
In addition, the Society covers approximately 65% of total on-site security costs, reflecting our commitment to keeping students and staff safe every day.
Investing in Our Future: Capital Improvements
TTS is committed not only to excellent programs, but also to maintaining and enhancing the spaces where students learn, celebrate, and grow. Over the past five years investments include:
- Early Learning Centre A/C Installation (May 2022): Six rooftop air-conditioning units were installed to ensure classrooms remain cool and comfortable during Edmonton’s hottest months, so children can attend school safely and focus on learning.
- New Lunchroom (August 2022): Thanks to the generosity of Myrna and Don Silverberg (z’l) and a grant from the Jewish Federation of Edmonton, a bright, multipurpose lunchroom now brings students together to eat, pray and build community, replacing the old system of eating in classrooms.
- New Roof (June–October 2025): With support from EPSB, the school’s aging roof was replaced, safeguarding the building from damage and providing a safe, dry environment for learning.
- Gym Projector & Screen Upgrade (September 2025): A state-of-the-art 189″ ceiling-mounted screen and 7000-lumen projector have transformed assemblies and events into engaging, dynamic experiences. This project was supported by Society funds, along with a $5,000 grant from the Edmonton Jewish Community Charitable Foundation.
- Lunchroom Soundproofing (December 2025): New acoustic ceiling panels reduce echo and noise by an estimated 70–80%, creating a quieter, more comfortable environment for students and staff.
A Shared Commitment
For over a century, Talmud Torah has flourished thanks to families and supporters working together to provide a Jewish education rooted in excellence, community, and connection. When you financially support the Society, you’re not just covering expenses – you’re investing in your child’s growth and in the future of Jewish learning in Edmonton.
Together, we’ll continue to nurture bright minds, kind hearts, and proud Jewish identities, ensuring the Talmud Torah legacy continues to thrive for generations to come.