Valuable Lessons A Message From Tali Millo, Program Director and Lay Clergy

When I assumed my role at Congregation

Shaarey Zedek more than a year ago we were dealing with various challenges in the face of the pandemic. Especially during periods of lockdown, we were tasked with finding new and creative ways of connecting with our congregation and the community. Just as with any other adversity, our experiences during the pandemic have helped us to learn valuable lessons for the future. After spending so much time apart, we are reminded to appreciate being able to gather together for services, programs and classes. It makes me so happy to have faces looking back at me during minyan services, and hearing voices singing together with me. Children are finally able to celebrate Jewish holidays together again and to create memories that will last a lifetime.

We are now facing a different set of challenges with the renovation and temporary relocation of our shul. As one can imagine, it can be difficult to plan lifecycle events, programs, services, classes and more without our home on Wellington Crescent. However, just as we were able to learn valuable lessons from the pandemic, this situation is no different. It has been incredible to work with other organizations in our community that have allowed us to be able to continue to serve our congregation with services and programs. We are so thankful to Temple Shalom and the Asper Campus for sharing their space with us while we eagerly await for our renovation to be completed.

We have had such a wonderful time taking this opportunity to collaborate even more with other Jewish organizations. As well, this has given us the chance to explore programming in new and exciting venues! In October we enjoyed planning and taking part in a family-friendly Sukkot celebration at A Maze In Corn. This event was in partnership with PJ Library, Rady JCC and Congregation Etz Chayim. What is so special about these events, is that each organization is able to bring something different to the table that enhances the experience for everyone. For example, Cantor Leslie Emery brought a lulav and etrog and helped to teach children how to say the blessings and how to have fun shaking a lulav!

Two Congregations Under One Roof was an incredible event that embodied the importance of collaboration, partnership, and community. At this event, Temple Shalom and Congregation Shaarey Zedek joined together with music and teachings to connect our two congregations in a beautiful and meaningful way. Planning and executing this event with Temple

Shalom left us feeling so welcomed, inspired, and excited for future endeavours together!

Our community Chanukah event at the Asper Campus was a blast and such a perfect way to start off the holiday. Children enjoyed games, activities, crafts, face painting, glitter tattoos, and of course sufganiyot! The program concluded with a special telling of the story of Chanukah by Cantor Emery and Rabbi Mass along with a joyous sing-along. As well, it was extremely meaningful to be able to come together as a community to collect non-perishable food items for Jewish Child and Family Service. Our family-friendly Tu B’Shevat program took place on February 5th at the Children’s Museum of Manitoba. We are proud to have partnered with organizations in our community to celebrate the birthday of the trees! The fun-filled morning included a scavenger hunt around the museum and various activities to help children learn more about Tu B’Shevat.

We also planned a highly successful 'Hollywood-style' Purim event for families on March 5th at the Asper Campus with community partners.

I feel so fortunate that we have been able to grow and adapt to all of the changes we have experienced in recent years. I cannot wait to see what the new year will bring, and I look forward to continuing to work together as a community to strengthen and connect Jewish Winnipeg.