I started thinking about the passage of time after a recent conversation with Lisa’s cousin in Washington, D.C. She told us they were busy exploring post-secondary options for their teenage son. Strange, it seems like just yesterday that I was carrying him around the mall while his mom and Lisa ate their lunch. (Was it really 17 years ago?)

Anyway, let’s focus on the present and the fifth issue of our 22nd season, which is a pretty big accomplishment, especially since we are probably the only remaining lodge publication in B’nai Brith Canada. 

I’m proud to have carried this torch for so long. Although the Lodge has decided to take Kol Echad in a new direction by discontinuing its relationship with our advertisers, I will continue to do my part to ensure a bright future for this publication. 

Right now, though, I think it’s time for a break. When COVID-19 forced our Lodge into virtual mode in 2020, our then-president, Stewart Indig, suggested we continue communicating with members through this publication.

Times have changed, and I don’t think a summer digital issue is still required. We’ll have to see if there is any crucial information we need to pass on to members. If there is, we can send it out by e-mail or post it to our website. Ultimately, I’ll seek the advice of those who contribute to this publication. Speaking of which, I really have to thank these people for their contributions and guidance over the past year. I wonder if I could have done it without the words of wisdom from our co-presidents, Ruth Pupko and Debbi Silver, as well as from Rosalie Moscoe and Marc Kates. I also want to thank our printer, The UPS Store, and advertisers for their continued support. 

In the final analysis, I don’t think I could have done it without my wife Lisa at my side. She remains my sounding board and rock, pointing out when a potential cover does not fit or if a word or phrase needs to be changed. 

It really has been a fun 22 years. Whatever happens next remains unknown at this point. I promise, though, that it will be different.

Before we close down for the season, I want to share some thoughts that have been weighing on my mind for a while now. 

Sometimes, it’s hard to remember how different the world looked just four short years ago when COVID-19 forced society into virtual mode. People lined up outside grocery stores as retail establishments limited the number of people entering their premises.

Inside, plexiglass partitions separated the public from employees who were deemed heroes by government and business leaders. For this honour, they received what some would consider “hazard pay.” Unfortunately, the increased wages were abandoned once the pandemic died down.

It’s no wonder that so many are cynical about life these days.

Like those working in the retail sector, our daughter, Jordana, was also one of society’s heroes, working every day and interacting with adults and society’s youngest as an ECE or Early Childhood Educator.

During that time, life in the classroom became even more difficult than usual. Wearing a face shield and plastic scrubs made it harder for her to communicate with her young charges, who often respond to facial cues. I can’t imagine what the toddlers felt when they couldn’t touch or see their teachers’ faces. In my opinion, she and her colleagues were true heroes during the pandemic. However, unlike those working in the retail sector, they never received any recognition for their efforts. Since she started in her chosen profession 12 years ago, learning about her job has been a real eye-opener. Think about it: before a child reaches kindergarten, these people – mostly women – are an infant’s first educators.

Listening to our daughter’s tales about what happens in her job always fascinates me. So much planning goes into creating educational and fun programs for young children through play-based learning. At the same time, they must always follow strict government rules and regulations.

While these people are essential workers, society does not seem to value them like their colleagues in the public and private systems. They certainly are not as well paid and receive fewer benefits. After all these years, I cannot understand why this still occurs. **

Despite this, I’m grateful to have a daughter, a true educator, who has helped educate us on her chosen profession. The next generation is in good hands, thanks to people like her.

Thanks, Jordana.

**The Ontario government tabled the most expensive budget in the province's history in March 2024, with a $214.5-billion spending package that runs a deeper-than-expected deficit this year. Despite the record deficit, there did not appear to be any specific mention of daycare funding in the document.