Rosh Hashanah 5765

Greetings from Jewish Immigrant Aid Services of Canada (JIAS)

Just a few short weeks ago, while millions of people were watching the 2004 Olympic games, a brilliant ray of sunshine lit the hearts of Jewish people around the globe. When Israel’s Gal Fridman won Israel’s first-ever gold medal for windsurfing in the Olympics, every Jew, no matter what country they were in, shared so joyously in the celebration. It’s not hard to figure out why. One word says it all: Mishpuchah (family)! This is the way it is for the Jewish people – we are all part of one large family.

At JIAS, whenever a new person or family arrives at our door – whether at a JIAS office or at one of our service provider partners across Canada, our family strengthens.  And whatever happens to one of us happens to us all. A couple of weeks ago, we were shaken to our core, shed bitter tears, and experienced the same horrible pain as our brothers and sisters in Israel, when two suicide bombers simultaneously blew up two buses and shattered the lives of so many. Every time a terrorist strikes, the knife cuts us all. Side by side, in joy and in tragedy, we are one people. 

With Rosh Hashanah just around the corner, many of us are rushing around gathering recipes, making grocery lists, buying new clothes for synagogue… there’s so much to be done!  But what we are looking forward to most is spending the holidays with close family and friends. At the same time, however, there are others who are not so fortunate. There are those who may have just arrived in Canada and, as the holidays approach, feel lost and yearn for those familiar faces from back home. Others may have moved here a few years ago and, although more settled, are still missing their family get-togethers.  And there are those who may not yet have found the best paying job, or worse, who have no job at all, and can barely put food on the table for the holidays or any other dinner.  

Traditionally, Rosh Hashanah has been a time of renewed commitment to Jewish life. It is a time of hope and a chance to become a better person by reaching out to others and conducting acts of Tikkun Olam (repairing the world). The concept of Tikkun Olam comes from the Torah and is a response to the injustice and cruelty that has existed from time immemorial and continues to manifest itself.  With the horrific events in Beslan, Russia, with hundreds of innocent people dying in Iraq and the alarming rise in terrorism in many other parts of the world, we stand united with all people to “repair the world.  As we approach the High Holidays, each one of us is especially mindful of our obligation to fulfill the Mitzva of Tikkun Olam.   After all, we are what we do. 

Every year Jews from around the world choose Canada as their new home. Whether they come here to escape discrimination, anti-Semitism, imminent danger, financial hardship, or to join other family members who have already relocated, one thing is sure: they are coming here to begin a new and better life, no matter what it takes.  

JIAS understands what immigrants go through when they arrive here and the hardships they endure as they begin a new life in a foreign country. Our mission is to help them overcome their struggles with migration, settlement and acculturation. We know we touch the lives of countless Jewish families in Canada, and have been doing so since 1922. For many newcomers, JIAS is the gateway to the Jewish community and Canadian society. The next step rests with us in the wider Jewish community.  

To ensure that we continue as a viable, productive organization, JIAS is currently conducting an organizational review to develop a vision and future direction for its work.  Reviewing and clarifying our role with all stakeholders is a very important part of this process, and we truly appreciate everyone's participation.

At Rosh Hashanah, we hope you will join JIAS in fulfilling the mitzvah of Tikkun Olam by making these new members of our mishpuchah feel welcome in their new home. It doesn’t take much to make a difference in someone’s life and to reach out and touch someone’s heart forever. You can invite recently arrived Jewish families to your home, have a cup of coffee together, share stories, help them with job contacts, let your children play together…in short, let them know you care. You can also become a member of JIAS and continue our precious legacy. Remember, we are all a part of this wonderful family.

On behalf of the Board and Staff of JIAS Canada, we wish all of you Shanah tovah u'metukah—May you and your families (old and new-found ones) have a good and sweet year!

Leslie Wilder, President                      Mila Voihanski, Executive Director