FEATURES
Hebrew curriculum shines bright
Hanukkah at TT
Top 40 Under 40 Alumnus: Daniel Shafran
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 Hanukkah!
It’s been a busy couple of months, and much of it was extremely cold. Our families are resilient though, and weathered the extreme temperatures.
The month of December has been fun preparing for and celebrating Hanukkah, and you can read all about it right here.
So sit back, relax and enjoy the Talmud Torah Times.
Chag Hanukkah Sameach!
Natalie Soroka, Executive Assistant
Talmud Torah Society
Message from Noga Vaisblat
President
Talmud Torah Society
Dear Families,
I can’t believe it’s Hannukah already! We can all use an injection of light, cheerful children and lots and lots of sufganiot.
This past month we have launched a new grade 6 graduation program aimed at creating a meaningful and engaging year that equips students with essential life skills, fosters personal growth, community engagement, and a deeper connection to their heritage. The students completed their first task and helped package lunches for the Bissell Centre. In January children will receive some 101-finance training and start working on their family history project. I would like to take this opportunity to thank both the Jewish Federation and the National Council of Jewish Women for providing the funding for this special and exciting new program.
Speaking of funding – Talmud Torah Society is a major beneficiary of Jewish Federation of Edmonton’s UJA campaign, with funds going towards bursaries that support our families. I would like to encourage anyone who hasn’t contributed yet to make a last-minute donation here. The campaign closes on December 31st, and our families would appreciate any donation – large or small. Thank you!
Please note that the TTS board is taking a much needed break to recharge. We will be back after the winter break with renewed energy. We hope you came out to support our TT choir when they performed Hanukkah songs at the public menorah lighting on Dec. 29 at the Alberta Legislature.
Happy Hanukkah, and may our winter be filled with light,
Noga Vaisblat, President
Message from Darin Johnson
Principal
Talmud Torah School
I hope this newsletter finds you well. As we wrap up another busy term, I am excited to share some highlights from November and December.
Parent-Teacher Conferences: A Success!
We want to express our sincere gratitude for parent participation in our recent parent-teacher conferences. The active engagement in your child’s education is invaluable. The overwhelming attendance demonstrated a strong commitment to your child’s success.
In our parent survey last spring,100% of the parents who responded indicated they had a positive relationship with staff. One hundred percent of parents also expressed that staff care about their child. These indicators are vital to a successful school.
Strengthening Language Skills
Our students have been diligently working on their writing skills in both English and Hebrew. Through a variety of creative writing exercises, they have been encouraged to express their thoughts and ideas with clarity and imagination. We are proud of their progress and look forward to seeing their continued growth.
Student ownership of their learning is being highlighted this year. Teachers have been collecting input from students about how they see themselves as a writer.
As we move into the new year, we are eager to continue fostering a love of learning and a strong foundation for future success. Thank you for your continued support.
Happy Hanukkah!
Sincerely,
Darin Johnson, Principal
Remembrance Day Assembly
The school held a very moving, thoughtful ceremony to mark Remembrance Day 2024. Grade six students led the assembly and grade four students recited the poem In Flanders Fields by John McCrae. Our very own TT parent, Captain David P.-Gagnon, CD, Commanding Officer and Director of Music, The Royal Canadian Artillery Band Canadian Armed Forces, and his family, were invited. David spoke about his interest in the military and answered questions from our grade six students.
On November 11th, the Edmonton Jewish community gathered at the Edmonton Jewish Cemetery Cenotaph to honour and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice in serving our country. Among many other organizations, TT Society board member James Friedman laid a wreath on behalf of Edmonton Talmud Torah.
Hanukkah at Talmud Torah: A Month of Joyful Celebration
Throughout the month of December, Hanukkah brought light, joy, and togetherness to Talmud Torah’s hallways and classrooms. TT families gathered for two wonderful events, creating cherished memories in celebration of this light-filled holiday.
The Talmud Torah Early Learning Centre hosted a Hanukkah party where guests enjoyed sufganiyot and latkes prepared in our very own kitchen. The event featured a variety of age-appropriate activities, and a special appearance by Ari, our beloved TT lion mascot, who shared high-fives and hugs. The highlight of the event was a heartwarming Hanukkah video showcasing each class performing their own songs and dances.
On the last day before winter break, families were treated to an unforgettable K-6 assembly at the school! Organized by teachers Shira Spring and Ari Sniderman, the event featured grade 4 students proudly taking the stage as assembly leaders for a performance titled “Hanukkah: The Eras Tour”. Each grade and the K-6 TT Choir took their turn delighting the crowd with Hanukkah songs. As is tradition, the assembly closed with everyone in attendance singing the Israeli national anthem, התקווה (Hatikvah).
Hebrew/Judaic Curriculum Shines Bright for Hanukkah
Using the Hebrew/Judaic curriculum developed by Talmud Torah Society’s Education committee, and supported by a generous grant from the Edmonton Jewish Community Charitable Foundation, children in our Early Learning Centre have been immersed throughout the month of December in the traditions and celebrations of Hanukkah. They have been enjoying songs, blessings, videos, and stories that bring the holiday to life.
Through reading books, engaging in writing activities, creating art or studying Hebrew texts, Edmonton Talmud Torah ensures that the spark of tradition continues to burn. Hanukkah reminds us that even in times of adversity, the light of Jewish learning can shine brightly. As we light the menorah during Hanukkah, let us also rededicate ourselves to the pursuit of knowledge and understanding. In doing so, we honor the legacy of the Maccabees and ensure that the light of Jewish learning remains a guiding force for future generations.
Click here to read the complete article in the Alberta Jewish News!
Ari the TT lion mascot visits students for Hanukkah
Ari the mascot surprised students at lunch with sufganyiot to celebrate Hanukkah. Talmud Torah Society supports Judaic enrichment and celebrations throughout the school year.
TT ELC
Talmud Torah Early Learning Center
The month of December was filled with excitement, creative activities and delicious smells for the lead up to Hanukkah. Children were busy making hanukkiahs, creating beautiful canvas art, and crafting a massive dreidel. Rooms came alive with the sizzling sound and aroma of latkes. With so much activity and joy, the celebration is shaping up to be a memorable one. Wishing you and your family a Chag Hanukkah Sameach from Talmud Torah Early Center!
alumni highlight
Daniel Shafran – Class of ’99
Attending Talmud Torah from kindergarten to grade 8 (1992-2001) was a pivotal chapter in my life, shaping who I am today and leaving me with countless cherished memories. I vividly recall the old school building on Groat Road, where I spent my early years. One of my favorite memories is learning how to type by playing typing games in a makeshift computer lab set up on the stage of the old lunchroom. Learning to type in grade 2 might not have seemed significant at the time, but it’s a skill I’m still grateful for today.
I feel fortunate to have been part of a historic moment in the school’s evolution by participating in the groundbreaking ceremony for its current location. It was inspiring to witness the transition from the old building to the vibrant and modern facility that now serves as a hub for learning and community. Beyond academics, Talmud Torah provided me with friendships that have stood the test of time. My best friends today are the same friends I made during those years—a testament to the strong bonds the school fosters among its students.
Talmud Torah also instilled in me a deep connection to my Jewish identity, through learning Hebrew and about the Jewish holidays. Those lessons weren’t just about language; they were about understanding and embracing our heritage, which continues to guide me today – these days in particular. I’m especially proud that my two boys now attend Talmud Torah, carrying on the tradition. Watching their love of learning Hebrew and of the holidays while thriving in the same environment I grew up in fills me with immense pride and gratitude.
As a parent, I’m even more impressed by the dedication of the teachers and the strength of the community that continues to define Talmud Torah. The school remains a cornerstone of Jewish education and culture in Edmonton, and I am so proud to be part of its legacy.
For those who may not know, Daniel is a recent Top 40 Under 40 Edify Magazine 2024 recipient. This is Edify Magazine’s 16th year honouring 40 young Edmonton area residents for the great work they do bettering the local community and putting Edmonton on the global map. Mazel Tov Daniel!
When speaking with Daniel about his alumni highlight article, he mentioned that he is the third person in his class to be named to this Top 40 list, which is incredible! You can bet we will be reaching out to Kory Mathewson and Amir Reshef hoping they will contribute to one of our alumni highlights in the near future.
AJP@TT (Ancillary Judaic Program)
AJP@TT is a Society program in partnership with Kadima Academy, providing an optional after-school Hebrew language and Judaic curriculum from a Modern Orthodox perspective.
This month at AJP, our students delved into the significance of Shabbat. We celebrated with a special AJP Shabbaton at Beth Israel synagogue, where we had a spectacular Shabbat to remember!
Students engaged with each other and their teachers. The older students inspired us with their Divrei Torah, and everyone joined in singing and eating the delicious food. For some Chaya Sarah parsha fun, we even pulled questions from a well. The Shabbat morning service was led by one of our older students, Emma, and the day continued with more food (of course!) singing, davening, and exciting games. We concluded with a beautiful Havdalah that made this Shabbat unforgettable.
We all had a blast! We can’t wait to create more Shabbat magic together next year!
Spotlight on Current TT Society Offers
Are you interested in learning about Edmonton Public School’s morning Kindergarten program or TT Society’s optional afternoon Kinderarts program?
Join us on January 30th for our Kindergarten and Kinderarts Open House!
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.
We are once again promoting the scholarship to any individual aged 15-25 who is interested in visiting Israel to learn Hebrew or participate in a Zionist program in Israel.
Read about 2024 scholarship recipient Noam Rosenblum’s experience participating in Birthright.
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!