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

Our Chapters

Events Calendar:

City Highlights:

Miriam Rabinovitch Tribute Luncheon Sunday June 13, 2010 at 12:00pm Venue: Beth Shalom Synagogue, 11916 Jasper Avenue NW Tickets: Adults $44.00 (Plus minimum $18.00 donation); Children $15.00 Na'amat Canada Edmonton's luncheon honoring dear friend and tireless volunteer, Miriam Rabinovitch, with featured guest speaker, award-winning Canadian journalist, Paula Simons. This fundraiser event is being hosted by the Aviva Chapter, with proceeds going to the Say Cheese! Campaign, for the purchase of an industrial cheese pasteurization machine for the Kanot Agriculture High School, in Israel. For tickets or more information, contact Sylvia at (780) 481-5968 or at naamatedmonton@yahoo.ca.

Ruach Aviv Raised Spirits and Funds An enthusiastic crowd packed an Edmonton theatre last month for a colourful and entertaining afternoon of song and dance for a major spring fundraiser. The March 21 event, Ruach-Aviv (Spirit of Spring), organized by Na'amat Canada Edmonton and the Aviv Dancers, proved to be a successful endeavor for the two charities. The afternoon extravaganza, which included a bustling silent auction, took place at the TransAlta Arts Barns' Westbury Theatre. Proceeds from the fundraiser are going to the Kanot Agricultural High School in Israel and the Aviv Dancers, formed in 2006 to perform Israeli folk dance.

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 Oneg Shabbat: Biweekly Shabbat services led by Rabbi David Kunin and co-hosted by Na'amat and Beth Shalom Sisterhood. 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. 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.