November 3, 2025
Generations Come Together for CJA’s Grandparents & Grandpals Day
It was a beautiful morning at the Calgary Jewish Academy as students, grandparents, and grandpals came together to celebrate one of the school’s most cherished traditions, Grandparents & Grandpals Day. The event, which coincided with a special Shabbat celebration, highlighted the importance of l’dor v’dor, the passing of traditions, values, and wisdom from generation to generation. Throughout the morning, guests and students participated in a variety of engaging stations designed to spark connection and reflection. Students interviewed their grandparents and grandpals about their childhoods, family traditions, and Jewish memories. Together, they took part in mitzvah activities, explored the Scholastic Book Fair, enjoyed quiet reading moments in the PJ Library nook, and created keepsake crafts to take home.
October 24, 2025
Calgary Jewish Academy Appoints New Chief Executive Officer, Jordan Balaban
The Calgary Jewish Academy Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Jordan Balaban as the school’s new Chief Executive Officer. This appointment follows a review of the school’s leadership structure, leading to the adoption of a shared leadership model that pairs a CEO and Principal to ensure continued growth, operational strength, and academic excellence. During this period of transition, Nicole Weber provided crucial leadership as Interim Executive Director, helping to stabilize operations ahead of Principal Shelly Gelfand’s arrival in August 2025, and supporting the school’s progress through this year. We are deeply grateful for Nicole’s dedication and partnership, and are pleased that she will continue to contribute in a consultative capacity as needed. Jordan Balaban is a respected entrepreneur and community leader, serving as co-founder and President of Greengate Power, one of Alberta’s foremost renewable energy companies. Under his leadership, Greengate delivered nearly 1,500 MW of wind and solar projects, representing over $2 billion in investment.
October 6, 2025
CJA Students Honour National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Students at the Calgary Jewish Academy came together to acknowledge the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a day dedicated to honouring the children who never returned home, the survivors of residential schools, and their families and communities. In classrooms across the school, students engaged in meaningful discussions about the importance of this day—listening, reflecting, and exploring ways to take action toward understanding and reconciliation. As a school-wide project, each student traced their hand, cut it out, and wrote a word or phrase representing their personal commitment and hope for reconciliation. These individual handprints were then assembled into a stunning set of large, vibrant wings, a powerful symbol of how the CJA community unites in remembrance, hope, and unity.
September 29, 2025
CJA Students Embrace Tradition of Tashlich
As the Jewish New Year begins, CJA’s Grade 4–6 students took part in the beautiful and meaningful tradition of Tashlich. Together, they walked to the reservoir, creating a sense of community and shared purpose as they prepared to welcome the year 5786. Standing by the water, the students learned about the spiritual importance of this ritual, which symbolizes casting away the mistakes and challenges of the past year in order to begin anew with a clean slate. Tashlich serves as a powerful reminder of the values of reflection, forgiveness, and growth, and offered our students the chance to connect with these timeless teachings in a personal way.
September 12, 2025
CJA Students Kick Off the New School Year by Building Community
The first day of school at Calgary Jewish Academy was filled with excitement as students returned to the building, greeting one another with big smiles and warm hugs. For many, it was a chance to reconnect with old friends and meet new classmates as they joined together to begin a new school year. The opening week at CJA is centered on more than just getting back into academic routines. Teachers and staff are focused on building strong, supportive classroom communities where every student feels a sense of belonging. Through shared activities, classroom discussions, and team-building exercises, students are encouraged to form connections that will set the tone for the year ahead.
May 26, 2025
New York, New Bonds: Grade 9 Students Take on the Big Apple
Our Grade 9 students recently returned from an incredible journey to New York City, a trip filled with culture, history, discovery, and unforgettable memories. From the moment they landed, they hit the ground running and didn’t look back. Their adventure began in the heart of the Lower East Side, where they explored stories of immigration, resilience, and community. At the Tenement Museum, they learned about the inspiring Jewish women who protested a 50% rise in kosher meat prices in the late 1800s history brought to life in a way textbooks can’t replicate. From there, they stepped into the vibrant world of Katz’s Deli, followed by a bit of shopping and city exploration, all leading up to a major highlight: a live performance of Hamilton on Broadway.
May 26, 2025
Grade 7 & 8 Students Explore Ottawa: A Journey of Learning, Discovery, and Connection
Our Grade 7 and 8 students recently returned from an unforgettable educational adventure to Ottawa, and what a journey it was! From the moment they arrived in our nation’s capital, the trip was filled with powerful learning experiences, meaningful connections, and memories that will last a lifetime. Their first full day set the tone for the entire trip, with visits to some of Canada’s most significant institutions. Students explored Parliament Hill and the Supreme Court of Canada, gaining insight into our democratic system and the rule of law. They reflected deeply at the National Holocaust Monument and explored Canada’s military history at the Canadian War Museum, engaging with exhibits that made the past come vividly to life. A special thank you to our guide, @ericboutinbloomberg, whose passion and storytelling helped bring these moments to life in unforgettable ways.
April 9, 2025
Passover Celebrations at CJA: Honoring Tradition and Nurturing Future Leaders
This year’s Passover celebrations at The Calgary Jewish Academy were filled with meaning, pride, and community spirit. Our Grade 9 students took on the important role of leading the annual Model Seder for students in Grades 1 through 9. With confidence and heart, they guided their peers through the traditions and rituals of the Seder, demonstrating the leadership and depth of Judaic learning they’ve developed over their many years at CJA. We are so proud of the way they embraced this role—not only as leaders but as mentors—sharing the beauty and significance of our traditions with younger students.
February 27, 2025
Tu B’Shevat Celebrations at CJA: A Lesson in Nature and Community
Throughout the month of Shevat, students at our school have been immersing themselves in the teachings of Tu B’Shevat, the New Year of the Trees. This special time encourages us…