FEATURES
AGM
Walking Across Israel
Yom HaShoah & Yom HaZikaron
Alumni Highlight Sid Edelmann
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,
I hope this newsletter finds you well.
Spring has officially arrived in Edmonton, and all of us at TT are soaking it in! The sunshine and mild weather have brightened our days, lifted our spirits, and added a spring to our step. For those who celebrated Passover, we hope it was meaningful and joyful for you.
With just two months left in the school year and the planning for the Out of School Care Summer 2025 program well underway, things around here are buzzing! We invite you to enjoy this update and take a peek at all the fun and learning we’ve done over the past couple of months.
Keep well.
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 TT Families and Community Members,
I hope everyone was able to enjoy Passover, the spring break and the warming weather.
I would like to take a moment to acknowledge Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day) and Yom HaZikaron (Israel’s Memorial Day). During this time, we reflect on the resilience and sacrifices of the Jewish people. Let us join together in a prayer for peace, for the protection of the Jewish people – especially the soldiers of the IDF – and for the safe return of all the hostages.
As some of you may know, I spent a couple of weeks in Israel in early March. During my visit, I went to the site of the Nova Festival, met with displaced families from Kibbutz Kissufim, and had the honour of participating in the return of a family member who was killed on October 7, 2023, to her final resting place in Kibbutz Be’eri. Another important purpose of my trip was to bear witness to the ongoing situation in northern Israel and to help reignite the relationship between Talmud Torah and Lev Ha’Emek school in the Galilee, a partnership initiated through the P2G Gesher Chai (living bridge) project led by the Jewish Federation of Edmonton. You can read more about my visit HERE. I am happy to share that strong connections were made during my time there, and I am hopeful that these relationships will benefit both students at Talmud Torah and Lev Ha’Emek through language practice and shared experiences. I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to our Principal, Darin Johnson, as well as to Mor Levi, Principal of Lev Ha’Emek, for their dedication and commitment to strengthening this partnership.
The safety and well-being of our children remain at the heart of everything we do. As part of our ongoing commitment, the Society has secured on-site security for the entire 2025–2026 school year and will continue to subsidize the cost, just as we did this year. On a related note, I would like to extend my sincere thanks to all the volunteers who participated in the recent security training led by Montreal’s Community Security Director. Your involvement is vital to keeping our community safe. Please continue to stay alert and report any suspicious activity or hate-related incidents through the Federation’s Antisemitism Portal.
I am pleased to report that the draft budget for next year has successfully passed its first review by the Finance Committee. The Board worked closely with Principal Johnson to set priorities for the upcoming year and has allocated $375,000 to support our school for the 2025–2026 school year. We are deeply grateful to Principal Johnson for his thorough preparation and thoughtful input throughout this process. The strong collaboration between the School and Society leadership remains one of our greatest assets. As part of our commitment to full transparency, we are preparing a document that outlines how these funds will be used to support our school’s priorities. We look forward to sharing this information with our families as soon as it is ready.
Our Annual General Meeting (AGM) is scheduled for June 10th at 7:00 p.m. – See below for more information. I strongly encourage all Society members to attend the AGM and take part in shaping the future of our school.
Stay safe,
Noga Vaisblat, President
Message from Darin Johnson
Principal
Talmud Torah School
Dear Talmud Torah Community,
I have numerous updates to share with you since our last newsletter. On a snowy evening at the end of March, our Celebration of Learning filled the school with parents. We were delighted that over 90% of our families were able to attend.
Our students are very fortunate to have such interested and involved adults in their lives, supporting their development. Talmud Torah students are consistently meeting knowledge and, even more importantly, skill outcomes to a high standard.
At Talmud Torah, Judaic Studies learning outcomes are an integral part of our regular weekly instruction. Our staff carefully support students’ understanding in age-appropriate ways. I am honoured to be part of the assemblies we hold at this time of year for Yom HaShoah, Yom Hazikaron, and Yom Ha’atzmaut.
April marks a shift in our focus in the office as we begin planning for the 2025-2026 school year. Our enrollment numbers are strong, and we eagerly anticipate meeting new families this spring. Providing tours to prospective families offers a special opportunity for conversation. I am proud to share the rich history of Talmud Torah and the connected community they would be joining. The Talmud Torah community supports our school in countless ways. I work closely with dedicated parent and community volunteers on a regular basis through meetings with the Talmud Torah Society, School Council, and our community partners. Instruction, learning opportunities, and library resources are all significantly enriched thanks to these individuals.
Parents at Talmud Torah have access to SchoolZone, a platform where they receive weekly updates from their child’s class and from the office. This secure system allows parents to stay informed with up-to-date information. I encourage all parents to log in and complete the Edmonton Public Schools feedback survey. Your input is invaluable and directly supports my decision-making at Talmud Torah. One of the most encouraging indicators from last year’s survey was that 100% of families reported having a good relationship with their child’s teacher.
Sincerely,
Darin Johnson, Principal
Notice of Annual General Meeting – June 10 at 7:00 PM
Our Annual General Meeting (AGM) is scheduled for June 10th at 7:00 p.m. and will be held at the school in the Don & Myrna Silverberg Lunchroom. Childcare will be provided for the duration of the meeting to help make attendance easier for our families.
At the AGM we will review our financial statements, reflect on the major decisions made over the past year, hear an update from the ELC Director, and conduct Board elections. There are four open Board positions, and we are actively seeking members who would like to get involved. Thank you to everyone who has already put their name forward!
All Society members are strongly encouraged to attend the AGM and take part in shaping the future of our school.
TTS board committee highlights
EDUCATION: Chair – Michelle Huberman
The committee continues to lead several initiatives to strengthen Hebrew Language Arts (HLA) and Judaic Studies (JS) programming. Ongoing teacher meetings have supported the development of the Grade 4 and 5 HLA materials, with Grade 6 work set to begin soon. The Grade 1–2 Niflaot program is in its first year of implementation, and we remain committed to reflection and dialogue as we gather feedback on its alignment with TT outcomes and instructional goals. The committee is also reviewing independent reading materials to supplement the current iTalam readers. A key milestone has been the creation of HLA vocabulary, grammar, and syntax standards from Kindergarten through Grade 6. These will reinforce the implementation guide and help ensure instructional consistency.
The Grade 6 Shabbaton is scheduled for June 6–8 at Camp BB, with expected participation from Calgary Jewish Academy families, promising a strong turnout.
Implementation of the ELC Hebrew Framework is ongoing. Designed as a reference tool for future years, it outlines developmentally appropriate activities for each group, aligned with a structured scope and sequence, while helping to track progress and avoid repetition. To support this, the committee led a professional development session for ELC staff on bilingual education and effective strategies for fostering Hebrew language acquisition.
GOVERNANCE: Chair – Shayne Abrams
This year, the focus has been on updating committee Terms of Reference (TOR) and implementing key HR policies. All TORs have been finalized. Work is underway to consider potential updates to the Society bylaws including in relation to streamlining the processes for virtual Board meetings and electronic voting. Vacation and sick leave policies have been established, along with a communication policy for Jewish holidays.
COMMUNICATION: Chair – Nomi Steen
Our Talmud Torah Society WhatsApp private group is a vital communication tool to keep our parent community informed about extracurricular and summer activities, community events, fee changes and essential security updates.
We publish articles in the Alberta Jewish News (AJN), develop ad/promotional items to advertise our programs, and participate in community events on behalf of the Society.
In addition, our Talmud Torah Times Newsletter is sent every other month to our families, alumni, supporters, and friends, keeping everyone connected with the latest news, insights, and highlights from our vibrant TTS community. We invite you to join the conversation and stay connected with us through our Instagram and Facebook pages, where we share moments that bring our community even closer together.
HUMAN RESOURCES: Chair – Stacie Perlmutter
This year, the Human Resource (HR) Committee has worked with care and intention to support the heart of our community—our staff. Together with the ELC Committee, we’ve reviewed and refined key policies to better reflect the needs of our team. We’ve stayed closely connected to navigate scheduling, time off, and the everyday rhythms that keep our workplace running smoothly. Most meaningfully, we completed performance reviews for both Society and ELC administrative staff—offering space for reflection, growth, and appreciation for the incredible work they do every day.
FINANCE: Chair – James Friedman
This year, the TTS Finance Committee has been responsible for overseeing financial performance and reporting to the board, conducting a performance review for the bookkeeper position, and collaborating with auditors for the year-end audit of August 31, 2024. Additionally, the committee has been reviewing and providing recommendations on policies related to restricted and endowment funds. The 2025-2026 draft budget passed the first finance committee review.
BUILDING: Chair – James Friedman
As many are aware, the condition of Talmud Torah’s roof has deteriorated in recent years and water frequently enters the building after rain or snow thaw. The roof has exceeded the end of its useful life and is in need of replacement. We have obtained multiple quotes from roofing companies that are currently under consideration by the TT Society Board. Stay tuned over the coming months for more information. Additionally, the Board recently approved funds for purchasing a new projector and screen for the gym and we hope to have them installed soon.
EARLY LEARNING CENTRE: Chair – Ohad Eliyahu
The main focus in the ELC this year has been the launch and growth of our Hebrew/Judaic education program. Since September 2024, the program has evolved to meet goals and support children’s learning. Educators took part in professional development highlighting the benefits of early second-language learning and effective teaching strategies. Each classroom now has a Hebrew-speaking educator, creating daily opportunities for children to hear and use Hebrew. Educators also have TT library accounts to borrow Hebrew and Judaic-themed books that enrich classroom activities. Storypark is being used more consistently to share children’s experiences with Jewish holidays, Hebrew language learning, and cultural traditions. Our goal is to build a joyful, bilingual environment where Hebrew and English are woven into daily life, strengthening children’s connection to Jewish culture and values.
JNF Edmonton and Israeli Emissaries Help Students Walk Across Israel
Recently, Jay Cairns of Jewish National Fund – Edmonton (JNF) organized a special visit from Israeli emissaries Dor Avi and Lian Rabinowitz. Dor is a content facilitator in the field of Jewish peoplehood, Zionism and pluralistic Jewish identity in Israel and the Jewish world. Lian holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Communications.
Their visit coincided with three significant national holidays observed in Israel and throughout the Diaspora each spring — Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Memorial Day), Yom Hazikaron (Memorial Day for Fallen Soldiers), and Yom Ha’atzmaut (Israel’s Independence Day).
As part of their educational outreach, a giant floor map of Israel served as a backdrop for lessons about the country’s diverse geography and climate. The map functioned as a visual and interactive teaching tool, inviting students to locate key cities, bodies of water, and regions. Dor and Lian emphasized how, despite Israel’s small size – where one can drive from north to south in just seven hours – the country encompasses an extraordinary range of landscapes.
Yom HaShoah and Yom HaZikaron Assemblies
Our students recently gathered in the gym on two solemn occasions to honour the memory of those who perished in the Holocaust and those who gave their lives during Israel’s War of Independence and other conflicts.
Grade 6 students led the Yom HaShoah assembly with the recitation of Yizkor and the Mourner’s Kaddish. They also read the poem The Butterfly, written by Pavel Friedmann at the Theresienstadt concentration camp on June 4, 1942.
The ceremony included a powerful two-minute video of the sirens sounding in Israel, during which students and staff stood in silent reflection.
Grade 5 students led the Yom HaZikaron ceremony and recited Yizkor, and Grade 6 students and their Kindergarten buddies participated in a memorial candle-lighting ceremony.
Students watched a short film “Stories from the Box”, created in memory of fallen soldier Liran Sa’adia who was killed in action in 2006. This was followed by an emotional and beautiful Israeli Remembrance Day sand art video Ma Avarech from internationally acclaimed artist, Sheli Ben-nun.
Passover 2025
TT was full of excitement in the weeks leading up to Passover. Students in the Early Learning Centre (ELC) and Out of School Care (OSC) programs created art, sang songs, made matzah, and participated in mock Seders, while K–6 classes explored the meaning of Passover in a variety of engaging ways. The hallways were bright with Pesach-themed art and assignments.
While K–6 students enjoyed time off for Passover in lieu of a traditional spring break, the ELC and OSC programs remained active with Passover-themed activities. Students made matzah pizza and chocolate matzah buildings, and enjoyed extra time outside on the playground.
Ovics Scholarship Allows Edmonton TT Teachers to Attend Jewish Educators Conference
By: Ari Sniderman
Thanks to a scholarship from the Rachel and Josef Ovics Hebrew Education Fund (managed by Talmud Torah Society) and a grant from the the Society, I had the chance to attend the annual conference of the Jewish Educators Assembly, March 16-19, 2025 in Chicago, together with my teaching colleague, Shira Spring. The conference was titled Israel Education: Past, Present, and Future. Over three days, teachers, principals, and rabbis met with leaders in the fields of Jewish and Israel Education to understand the ways in which Jewish institutions can help students form meaningful relationships with Israel. I gained many insights for my classroom, for our community, and for myself.
The discussions and sessions invoked deep reflection on my part about my practice as a Jewish educator and my role as a Jewish community member. I know that our balanced Judaic Studies curriculum at Talmud Torah – teaching prayer, history, Tanach, holidays, and about Israel – aims to instill in students a deep and meaningful relationship with Judaism and Israel. I also know that Rachel and Yossi Ovics z”l would have loved to have joined us in Chicago. And I know that my experience will give extra meaning to my celebration of Yom Ha’atzmaut this year.
Please CLICK HERE to read the entire article.
TT Students Excel at the Running Room Indoor Games
After months of dedicated training, students were excited to showcase their skills at the annual Running Room Indoor Games, held on Friday, February 21, 2025, at the University of Alberta Butterdome. Competing in the mixed relay, the long jump and individual 200m events, the students had a valuable opportunity to challenge themselves against peers from various schools. Their dedication and effort were evident, and they proudly gave their best. Some of our students were excited to successfully advance to the semi-finals and finals! Our co-ed relay team made it to the finals and finished in an honourable fourth place, just barely missing the podium. Neve Choma impressively jumped 3.77 meters landing her in a gold place finish, fulfilling her destiny as a 3rd generation track and field star! We are so proud of our athletes and their remarkable efforts and performance.
Mazal Tov to all participants on this outstanding achievement!
Purim Assembly and Carnival
What a great day at TT during Purim!
On March 14, 2025 the Purim parade was live-streamed through the school’s K-6 secure portal, allowing families to experience the event. Students radiated excitement as they paraded through the hallways, many dressed in character alongside their classmates. Adding an educational twist to the celebration, school staff wore themed costumes representing digits of the mathematical constant π (Pi), enriching the festivities with both creativity and learning.
Following the parade, a school-wide assembly took place, during which students from grades K to 6 each read a portion of the Megillah. ELC students were also invited to attend, enjoying the vibrant costumes and the retelling of the Purim story. Naturally, Ari, the beloved TT lion mascot, wouldn’t miss an assembly – and was in the audience, beaming with pride as the students performed.
Read more about the Purim Carnival.
Alumni Highlight
Sid Edelmann – Class of 1969
Sid graduated from Talmud Torah in 1969, then on to Laurier Junior High and Ross Sheppard High School. After graduating from Shep, Sid tried his hand at being a milkman and a truck driver, but everything changed when he spent seven months backpacking through Europe.
That adventure inspired him to head to NAIT, followed by a brief stint as a property manager. But Sid wasn’t done reinventing himself – he went back to school, earning degrees from the University of Alberta and the University of South Carolina.
Despite struggling with Hebrew and French, Sid eventually picked up Spanish and Portuguese, which landed him a banking gig at the Canadian Export Development Corporation in Ottawa and later at the World Bank’s International Finance Corporation in Washington, DC. Along the way, he picked up some valuable lessons—like how to say, “There is oil leaking from the wing. Perhaps we should land,” in Portuguese. Oh, and push-starting a taxi in Ecuador after a meeting where he represented the Canadian Government!
Work took him all over Latin America, Africa, and Europe, including two years in Costa Rica along with short stints in Zimbabwe and Ghana.
Now retired, Sid lives in DC, with his wife, Betsy. They’ve got a house with a three-car garage where Sid spends his days building furniture and turning bowls on the lathe. They have two sons: Alexander, in DC, and Nathan, in Minneapolis.
Fond memories of TT:
- Carpooling with the Millers, including stops at Bon Ton Bakery.
- Playing on the monkey bars in winter.
- Climbing the wall on the way to the cafeteria.
Sid still keeps in touch with Gary Lyons, Marni Dlin, and others on Facebook. And in a wild coincidence, he once ran into Sue Guild in the Nairobi airport!
TT ELC
Talmud Torah Early Learning Centre
Back in July 2024, our Out of School Care program took a truly meaningful field trip to the Jewish Seniors Centre. The goal of the visit was simple: to bring generations together in a shared act of kindness. Side by side, our children and the seniors created heartfelt greeting cards filled with messages of hope and love for the brave soldiers of the IDF.
Our students beamed with pride as they crafted each card, knowing they were doing something special with their new and cherished friends. But one big question lingered—how would these cards reach the soldiers?
We are thrilled to share that, nine months later, we received photos showing our cards finally reaching the hands of our beloved IDF soldiers.
You can only imagine the excitement we all felt when our goal came to fruition!
A huge thank you to the Lee and Vaisblat families for all their help making sure these cards were delivered to such important people.
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.
During this special season in the Jewish calendar, AJP has been immersed in meaningful learning and celebration. Leading up to Passover, students explored its customs, laws, and lessons, preparing thoughtful Torah insights and crafts to enrich their Seder experience.
As we count the Omer toward Shavuot, we’ve also honoured key moments on the Jewish calendar — from joyful days like Independence Day, Lag BaOmer, and Jerusalem Day, to solemn ones like Holocaust Remembrance Day and Memorial Day.
Through stories, discussions, and creative activities, our students are deepening their connection to Jewish heritage and identity.
Spotlight on Current TT Society Offers
The H.A. and I.R. Friedman Scholarship has been managed by Talmud Torah Society since 1984, and many Edmonton Jewish community members have benefited from a financial scholarship since that time.
This $1,000 scholarship is available for individuals aged 15-25 who are interested in visiting Israel to learn Hebrew or participate in a Zionist program.
Looking for an affordable venue for your next event? Rent our spacious school gym or lunchroom at a low cost—perfect for parties, gatherings, and more!
