Celebrating Jewish Heritage Month
Throughout Jewish Heritage Month, CIJA is proud to spotlight the inspiring contributions of Jewish Canadians—advocates, leaders, and activists—who are shaping the future of our community. Join us as we honour their stories, celebrate their impact, and reflect on the rich legacy of Jewish life in Canada.
Joseph Sholtes
Yael Halevi-Wise
Rachel Bluwstein
Joseph Sholtes is taking action today to shape a better future for our children. A Toronto educator with over 31 years in the classroom, Joseph joined UJA Federation of Greater Toronto's “Stronger Together” educators’ trip to Israel this March. Now, he’s turning those powerful experiences into action—standing up to rising antisemitism in schools, teacher unions and in his broader community.
Joseph’s Jewish Heritage Hero is Rachel Bluwstein—a trailblazer who defied the limits placed on women of her time. She wrote poetry, championed education and helped lay the foundation for the State of Israel. Her journey began in kindergarten, where she learned Hebrew from refugee Jewish classmates—planting the seeds of a lifelong legacy.
Yael Halevi-Wise
Joseph Sholtes
Benjamin Disraeli
Yael Halevi-Wise is a professor, literary scholar, and lifelong champion of Jewish studies. Born in Israel, she’s lived around the world and now teaches at McGill, bridging the Departments of English and Jewish Studies. She made Canada her home in 2001.
Yael’s Jewish Heritage Hero is Benjamin Disraeli, Britain’s 19th-century Prime Minister. Instead of preparing for his Bar Mitzvah, he was take to be baptized so he would have better opportunities for education and employment at a time of widespread antisemitism. Disraeli never turned his back on his roots. He spoke up on behalf of the Jewish people in the British Parliament, and in his popular novels he defended the Jewish people with courage. Disraeli could have chosen to hide his name; he could have denied his heritage—but instead, he wore it with pride.
Paula Haras
Paula Haras
Anne Frank
Paula Haras has been an educator for over 30 years. She began in private Jewish schools and now she is an educator in a public school board in Canada. After her UJA mission trip to Israel in July 2024, she felt it is critical to advocate for the Jewish community in hopes to make a difference for the next generation. She calls out lies, hate and injustice in hopes of exemplifying an educator that is never a by-stander.
Paula’s Jewish Heritage Hero is Anne Frank. She is inspired by Anne’s unrelenting hope and ability to keep a record of her experiences, which helped shape future generations’ definition of “Never forget”.
Samantha Kline
Samantha Kline
Golda Meir
Samantha Kline recently graduated from OCAD University, and is an advocate for cultural identity, inclusivity, and Jewish awareness on and off campus. Samantha works with legal organizations and advocacy groups to push for stronger protections against antisemitism, including speaking at legislative assembly downtown in support of bill 166 Strengthening Accountability and Student Supports Act, 2024.
Samantha’s Jewish Heritage Hero is Golda Meir. Golda’s legacy of resilience, leadership, and dedication to advocacy resonates with her and how Golda shaped the future of Israel.