Talmud Torah Society

“I like that Talmud Torah feels like an extended family for my kids - there is a true sense of community and connection within the school. I really appreciate that my son’s teacher is invested not only in his academic progression, but also his development as a human being and citizen. I have been so pleased with how my son’s teacher has been able to support his learning in an individualized way.”

-Jennifer Coppens, TT Parent

Driven By Our Core Values

The guiding principles by which Talmud Torah Society aligns its community involvement.

Jewish Identity
זהות יהודית - Zehut Yehudit

The Talmud Torah Society strives to ensure that there is a place where our students can learn about and be immersed in their heritage, traditions, Hebrew language, culture, history, and religion. We inspire our students to find meaning and belonging in Jewish life and are guided by the desire to preserve and further this legacy for our community.

Safe Space
בטחון לכולם - Bitachon lekulam

As owner of the Talmud Torah School building and in the Talmud Torah Society's stewardship role, Talmud Torah Society values the safe physical, emotional and spiritual space that we provide for our students.

Educational Excellence
מצוינות בחינוך - Metzuyanut Bechinuch

We believe in the importance of lifelong learning grounded in a robust academic and Judaic program. Through their studies, students develop sound character and responsible citizenship while nurturing their intellectual, social, emotional, and spiritual growth. The Talmud Torah Society values educating each student according to their needs and abilities, and inspires students to achieve their own personal excellence in all aspects of their lives.

Community
קהילה -Kehila

The Talmud Torah Society values the relationships that make life meaningful. We are committed to our role in creating connections within and between Talmud Torah, the Edmonton Jewish community, "Klal Yisrael כלל ישראל ) " the Jewish People), the State of Israel, and the community at large. Grounded in Jewish values and a sense of social responsibility, our students become empowered community members who strive to make a positive difference in the world, Tikkun Olam עולם תיקון.

Inclusivity
הכללה - Haklalah

We strive to create a "kehillah kedosha קהילה קדושה ) " sacred community), a community that genuinely cares about the people who form it, and makes room for everyone to feel welcome and participate. We are a pluralistic, non-denominational Jewish institution that welcomes, respects and values all families regardless of Jewish affiliation, financial situation, ability, gender identity and orientation, or family circumstances.

Stewardship, Trust, Transparency
ערבות הדדית- Arevut hadadit

The Talmud Torah Society Board is entrusted with the careful and responsible management of the Society. We commit to ensure sound financial practices and decision-making that allows the organization to be passed down "mi dor l'dor לדור מדור) "from generation to generation). The Board strives to lead in a way that builds trust through transparency and open communication with our stakeholders.

Our Mission

Talmud Torah Society fosters an inclusive place of learning and community rooted in Jewish history, traditions, and values.

Our Vision

To deliver a high quality foundation in a pluralistic Judaic and secular education that inspires students to achieve their personal best.

To build a rich environment where our students develop a strong Jewish identity and a feeling of commitment and lifelong belonging to the larger Jewish community – Klal Yisrael.

To enrich Edmonton Jewish life by being an essential and foundational place of learning, community and connection for generations to come.

Talmud Torah Society Membership

As per Talmud Torah Society Bylaws (2022), a member of the Society is defined as:

Any parent or guardian of a child who attends the Society’s school or preschool or daycare, or is registered to attend the school or preschool or daycare for the immediately following school year (individually a “Parent”, and more than one Parent shall be “Parents”) is a member of the Society.

Any person eighteen (18) years of age or older and who contributed or on whose behalf a contribution was made to the United Jewish Appeal or to the Edmonton Talmud Torah during the Society’s fiscal year is a member of the Society for that fiscal year.

TALMUD TORAH SOCIETY FAQs

Find answers to common questions about the Talmud Torah Society.

What is an Alternative program within EPSB and what is the role of a Society (like TTS) in an alternative program?

Talmud Torah School is an Alternative program within EPSB. Section 19 of the Education Act defines alternative programs as education programs that emphasize a particular language, culture, religion, or subject matter or use a particular teaching philosophy.

Societies affiliated with alternative schools are encouraged to provide advice and input to school administrators, central services, and EPSB on matters related to the program as a whole. Consultation can occur in both formal and informal ways, i.e. meetings, phone calls, committee involvement, involvement with interviews, etc. Areas in which EPSB and the Society may consult include:

Nature, content, and intent of the program.
Staffing of the program, including the appointment of principals.
Other issues of significance to the entire program.

Under section 19 of the Education Act, Societies may also charge fees related to the delivery of their alternative programs.

Our History

1912

“On December 22, 1912 thirteen Jewish men gathered together in the basement of Beth Israel Synagogue on 95th Street and Rowland Road in Edmonton. They were immigrants who had fled the pogroms and destitution of Czarist Russia. They earned their living as merchants, supplying and servicing the farmers, hunters and trappers of the Edmonton-based agriculture and fur industries. They had abandoned many of the trappings of shtetl yiddishkeit, but they had remained committed Jews. That evening they elected officers, formed several committees and began fulfilling the biblical directive that “all your children shall be taught of the Lord” (Isaiah 54:13). This was the first Board of Directors of the Edmonton Talmud Torah.” – Ronald Pascoe, Edmonton Talmud Torah: the first Seventy-Five Years, 1912-1987.

1930's

Edmonton Talmud Torah (Talmud Torah Society) began its full-day school program in 1933. It was the first of its kind in Canada. Located on 103 Street and Jasper Avenue, TT not only offered day school classes, but a kosher lunch program.

1950's

With growing enrollment to 400 students, in 1953 Talmud Torah moved to its new location at 132 Street and 106 Avenue.

1970's

It was at the 132 Street and 106 Avenue location in 1975 that the Talmud Torah Society established its relationship with the Edmonton Public School Board (EPSB). Together, they created the version of Talmud Torah School that still exists today: an EPSB alternative program school whose Judaic content and financing remains the responsibility of the Talmud Torah Society.

1990's

Talmud Torah’s current location in West Edmonton broke ground in 1997. From 1997 until June 2018, Talmud Torah was a K-6 elementary school, as well as a 7-9 Jr. High school.

2000's

The Jr. High program has been on hold since September 2018. We are hoping that interest for Jr. High will eventually lead to a Jr. High program once again. Since September 2018 we have run a K-6 day school, alongside an out of school care (OSC) program, and an ages 1-5 early learning centre (ELC). Enrollment in our elementary school has continued to increase and for the 2022-23 school year we are anticipating 145 students.

TTS Bylaws Handbook

Please click on the link below to access our up-to-date Talmud Torah Society Bylaws Handbook

View Bylaws