It’s our 60th birthday! The Bernard Betel Centre, previously the Centre for Creative Living, will be turning 60 in 2025. We were ‘born’ out of a vision of National Council of Jewish Women where we offered our first half day social program and luncheon. Sixty years later we have over 2,000 members, provide programs and services to over 5,000 seniors in our community annually, and offer programs in 11 different sites through our Healthy at Home program.
Please join us in 2025 as we celebrate this incredible milestone with a number of special events and look to our future as we start engaging our community in discussions regarding our next strategic plan.
As we come together in the coming days of Chanukah, we light our menorahs not only to celebrate the miracle of light and hope, but to stand in solidarity with those facing darkness and hardship. This year, as we watch the news from Israel, Ukraine, and Russia, we feel the pain of war, our hearts are heavy with concern for our loved ones and our brothers and sisters in Israel. Yet, in the midst of this pain, we are reminded of the resilience of the Jewish spirit.
Our community, especially our Holocaust survivors know too well the power of overcoming darkness. And yet, as a Jewish community we are here today, stronger for having survived and built lives of meaning, connection, and purpose.
This Chanukah, as we light our candles, let each flame be a symbol of our shared strength, our unyielding hope, and the light we bring to one another in times of need. May the light of the menorah remind us that, even in times of darkness, we have the power to bring light into the world.
This Chanukah and Christmas, let us stand together, with love, compassion, and unwavering support for those who are suffering. May we pray for peace, healing, and the safety of all those affected by these ongoing conflicts. May the miracles of this season shine brightly in our hearts, giving us the strength to face these challenges and the courage to continue moving forward with hope and faith.
On behalf of the Bernard Betel Centre Board of Directors and staff, may this season bring you and your loved ones joy, peace, and a renewed sense of purpose. May the lights of Chanukah and the spirit of Christmas fill your hearts with hope and happiness for the year to come.
Warmest regards,
Gail Gould
Executive Director
