From the Desk Of Naomi Rosenfeld

GRATITUDE IN THE MIDST OF A GLOBAL PANDEMIC

Ten months and counting into a pandemic that most of us thought would be over in three, or at least after we all so diligently did our part to ‘flatten the curve’, there is still plenty that we can rightfully agonize over: some of you reading this have lost loved ones, others have suffered through this debilitating illness yourselves. Some of you have lost jobs and too many of you have suffered significant financial hardships. For others, like myself, an inability to travel and restrictions on visits to long-term care facilities have meant very long stretches of time away from loved ones. The list goes on and on.

Yet, in the thick of all this turmoil, and amidst so much sadness and despair, I am repeatedly amazed and taken aback by the astounding acts of kindness and generosity that I have been privileged to witness on a daily basis as the Executive Director of the Atlantic Jewish Council. Therefore, for this edition’s Shalom magazine article, I feel compelled to share my gratitude.

THANK YOU TO THE AJC’S STAFF MEMBERS

Thank you to Edna LeVine, Svetlana Ratchinski, Victoria Michels, Bill Chernin, and Julia Lisker for your extraordinary dedication, loyalty, and incredible efforts over the last 10 months. With a combination of hard work and ingenuity, the five of you seamlessly pivoted this organization and its many initiatives into COVID-safe endeavours while ensuring they remained just as meaningful and impactful—if not more—as always. Instead of in-person events for the Atlantic Jewish Film Festival and Holocaust Education week, we had virtual ones. Instead of regular Hillel Shabbat dinners, we had Shabbat Dinners “to-go”. Instead of regular holiday kids programming, we had virtual events paired with goody-bags filled with DIY holiday crafts and activities. The creativity displayed was truly remarkable.

THANK YOU TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE ATLANTIC JEWISH COUNCIL

Thank you to the officers, community representatives, chairs of standing committees, and members-at-large that make up the 20 members of the AJC board. Month after month, this group of extraordinarily committed volunteers provides the policy and strategic direction that allows this organization to not just survive, but to thrive. At no time of year is the commitment of our board members more apparent than during the fall, when these incredibly dedicated board members tackle the lion’s share of calls for the UJA Campaign. Thank you for your exceptional commitment to this organization!

A special thank you Esti Barlevy of Saint John, New Brunswick who resigned as a member-at-large from the AJC in October after 2+ years of service.

THANK YOU TO THOSE WHO CHOOSE TO PARTICIPATE

Whether it’s reading our weekly emails, signing up for a virtual program, or coming to an in-person program, each and every person or family who makes the choice to be part of our community makes this community what it is. A special shout out to those who join us from afar as part of our diaspora. You continue to believe in the AJC. Whether you are in California, Israel, Ontario, Montreal, Europe, Asia, or everywhere in between, we know you are there, we love hearing from you, and we are forever grateful for your ongoing commitment to your Atlantic Canadian roots and to the AJC. If I’ve learned anything over the last five years, it’s: once a Maritimer, always a Maritimer.

THANK YOU TO THE AJC’S VOLUNTEERS

People always ask me how an organization with such a small compliment of staff manages to get so much done. The answer is easy: our amazing volunteers. And there are many, across all spectrums. From those who helped out with the UJA campaign to those who delivered hannukah gifts/baskets to those that prepped and delivered meals out of Spencer House on Christmas day, our community is what it is because of our volunteers. While these past 10 months have redefined ‘getting together’, and the term Zoom takes on new meaning, I continue to be genuinely warmed by the dedication of this group in our community that offers so much and asks nothing in return. While many may consider us ‘small’ by most standards, we are definitely mighty in proportion, and for that I can only thank you, our volunteers.

THANK YOU TO THE DONORS OF THE UJA CAMPAIGN OF ATLANTIC CANADA

Our community only exists because individuals like you invest in us year after year. No matter the amount, this symbolic investment literally fuels our existence. As the pandemic continues to wreak havoc on the financial security of all of us, the generosity displayed by so many of you that allowed us to successfully raise the dollars needed to support our community is beyond exceptional, and for that I am thankful.

All the more so in hard times like these, I am very grateful to so many for giving this community so much. Here’s hoping that 2021 brings with it nothing but happiness and health.