Jewish Family Services

in Atlantic Canada

Shira D. Zipursky

BY SHIRA D. ZIPURSKY, DIRECTOR OF JEWISH FAMILY SERVICES

As we near the end of summer and move into the Jewish High Holiday season, which is typically a time for reflection, I take pause to acknowledge the struggles that were overcome, and also celebrate the accomplishments that have been achieved over this past year.

The Director of Jewish Family Services position has celebrated its first anniversary! As the lone service of its kind for the Atlantic Canada region, I have strived to support Jewish individuals and families through life stressors, whether it be a financial, housing, medical, or employment need. Unfortunately, the Covid-19 pandemic continued to impact how we gathered and approached programming. We danced through each wave, moving back and forth between adjusting to a new normal and being hesitant, unsure of what to expect. Restrictions have eased, and with this new normal came an adjustment period of our own comfort levels, we looked inwards and were encouraged to ‘be kind’. Due to this new catch phrase constantly circulating throughout the Maritimes, I joined Action for Happiness (actionforhappiness. org). This enabled me to share monthly themed calendars and inspirational messages to help us refocus and find joy in the smallest of places. Feeling grateful and reflecting on what gratitude looks like for each of us, helps us reduce stress and incorporates mindfulness into our daily practice.

I was also reminded of resiliency. I had the pleasure of meeting several community members and hearing their stories, who showed their amazing courage and ability to be resourceful. Sometimes we surprise ourselves with what we can accomplish and how we can rise above life’s most difficult challenges. In my practice, asking for help is a sign of strength and recognizing you cannot do it alone should be celebrated as opposed to being discouraged. With this mindset, I feel I have been able to create a safe and supportive environment which allows individuals and families who are struggling to come forward and seek support, whether it be through financial aid, a listening ear, service navigation, or problem solving.

It is important to acknowledge the community at large partnerships that have been made, which allow for service delivery to be offered more widely. I am proud of the collaboration that has taken place with Jewish Free Loan Toronto, which has given Jewish individuals and families an opportunity to seek financial aid on a larger scale (for personal loans, education loans, fertility support, etc.) than the AJC can offer alone. This has positively impacted our community and the feedback has been encouraging. Further to this, online programming has been offered with the Reform Jewish Community of Atlantic Canada and together the first virtual workshop was delivered. I am also constantly learning from CIJA and JIAS on ways to support the Ukrainian families coming to our region. This work has led to meetings and conversations with other organizations, such as YReach, Senior Support, Shelter Services, and Mental Health to name a few, to better understand what is not only available to newcomer families but to all those in the region in need of ongoing support. Over the last several months, due to these across Canada meetings, I have learned that some of the issues facing Atlantic Canada residents are not just areas of concern for our region but sadly widespread across Canada . Being a oneperson program, so to speak, it has been inspiring and helpful to talk with other likeorganizations to come together to discuss ways around the issues so we can better help and support our clients in need. We cannot fix every problem over night, but I believe there is strength in numbers.

With this work it is important to recognize limitations—as much as I want to, I cannot do everything. I am grateful for the other organizations available to fill the gaps and to support me in my role at the AJC. I also send the message this season to practice self-care, take time to pause and reflect, acknowledge all that you have been through and where you are going. Wishing you and yours a Shannah Tova U’Metukah. S