President's Message | Our Chapters | Events Calendar | City Highlights

President's Message

    Na'amat Edmonton is where lifelong friendships have been formed and support networks have been built. Lifecycle events and simchas wouldn't have been the same without the close friends we've made through Na'amat. It is rewarding to know that together, our chaverot help to make a difference to women and families in Israel. As a third generation member of Na'amat Edmonton, I am proud to continue the tradition of joining together to be part of the fabric that makes up our community. After experiencing the Na'amat Leadership Seminar in Israel and seeing the array of Na'amat facilities and programs in action, I feel even stronger in my commitment to the organization.
When you join Na'amat, you will enjoy a fun and lively social environment while helping to fundraise in support of important programs and social services. Our members are daughters, mothers, aunts, grandmothers, and girlfriends who are active within both the Jewish community and the city at large. We welcome women of all ages to take part in our events and to help support Na'amat services in Israel and in Canada.

Sincerely,

Darlene Bushewsky
President, Edmonton Council

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Our Chapters

Na'amat Edmonton has an active council that encompasses five vibrant chapters: Aviva, B'not Shalom, Chanita, Kanot, Tikvah, and Tnufa. These clubs are arranged according to age range and common interests. Meetings are held on a monthly basis and each club is responsible for its own programming. To find a chapter that's right for you, please contact our Membership Coordinator, Sylvia Alpern, at naamatedmonton@yahoo.ca.

Tnufa: The youngest group formed in 2006 encompasses women aged 28 – 39. This group has become very active with the School Supplies for Kids program and their first fundraiser was the Cakes and Cookies in a Jar holiday sale.

Tikvah: Established 15 years, this very active chapter includes family oriented women in their 40s. These ladies enjoy very original programming, from guest speakers to exotic dance. They meet the 3rd Monday evening each month.

Aviva: These ladies are in the 60+ age range, many of who have passed down their love of Na'amat to their daughters. These ladies meet the on the 4th Sunday of the month for brunch and interesting social programs. Meetings are generally co-hosted by two members so the task of playing hostess is not too onerous.

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Events Calendar:

City Highlights:

  Mother's Day Luncheon
Sunday May 11, 2008; 12:00pm 160 Waygood Road The Aviva chapter is hosting this annual fundraiser in the beautiful garden of one of our members. This year, the featured entertainment will be a fashion show by Nygard, with our own Na'amat members as models. The event will mark the official launch of Na'amat Edmonton's Perpetual Scholarship Fund, a three year plan to raise $100,000 to provide a leg up for Israeli women pursuing their university degrees. The luncheon entrance fee is $40.00 (plus donation). Contact Sylvia Alpern, 780-481-5986 for more details.

  Women of Valour Gala
On Sunday, September 9th the Women of Valour Gala, a partnered fundraiser between Na'amat Edmonton and Emunah Edmonton, took place at the Beverly Hills Ballroom of the Fantasyland Hotel.

We honoured six Edmonton women for their contributions to the community; a panel of women who represented the private sector, the public sector, and all levels of government. The honourees were: Mrs. Marie Stelmach (wife of the Premier of Alberta), Lynn Mandel (wife of the Mayor of Edmonton), The Hon. Anne McLellan (former Deputy Minister of Canada), Dr. Indira Samarasekera O.C. (President, University of Alberta), Dr. Shoshana Elhav Pollack, and Mrs. Miriam Ghermezian.

Five hundred guests enjoyed a sumptuous dinner, were moved by our honourees' words and were treated to a fashion show. Here's a glimpse of this wonderful evening…

Edmonton Bursaries:

Designed to mirror Na'amat's scholarship program in Israel, Edmonton Na'amat is proud to provide annual bursaries in Alberta to further advanced education. These bursaries are available to female students enrolled in any certificate or diploma program. Most often they are awarded on the basis of financial need and preference is given to single mothers. For more details, click on these academic websites:

  • www.nait.ca/scholarships
  • www.macewan.ca
  • www.oldscollege.ab.ca

    School Supplies for Kids:

    Na'amat Canada's School Supplies for Kids program supplies children in domestic violence shelters with products to fulfill their back to school needs. Na'amat Edmonton was the latest branch of the organization to start up the program locally, in 2005.

    Last year, Na'amat Edmonton's Tikvah Chapter was able to distribute more than 500 backpack kits to five local women's shelters, thanks to the support of Office Depot-Mayfield Common and the community at large. In addition, 30 backpacks went to First Nations shelters throughout Alberta.

    Na'amat Edmonton is currently in the process of organizing their second annual School Supplies for Kids campaign, in hopes of surpassing last season's accomplishments! Click here for more information about School Supplies for Kids, or to volunteer, please contact Darlene Bushewsky at the e-mail address listed below.

    Cultural Programs for Seniors:

        As the city of Edmonton does not have a Jewish seniors residence, Na'amat Edmonton has taken on the task to help sustain Jewish culture and traditions for the 30 Jewish seniors at the Canterbury Court residence. Na'amat Edmonton runs a number of community programs for these seniors:

    When you join Na'amat, you will enjoy a fun and lively social environment while helping

    1. Oneg Shabbat: Biweekly Shabbat services led by Rabbi David Kunin and co-hosted by Na'amat and Beth Shalom Sisterhood.
    2. A Hanukah Party including candle lighting, a performance by our children's choir and the musical stylings of Dr. Bernie Adler, followed by tea and homemade treats.
    3. Purim- Mishloach Manot: Hammentaschen, baked by the Tikvah Chapter, are made into gift packages and are delivered to the seniors delivered by child volunteers.

    For more information about Na'amat Canada's Social Programs for Seniors, please click here.

    For more information about our events and programs, contact
    Na'amat Edmonton
    Email: naamatedmonton@yahoo.ca

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