Without Precedent: Wisdom for Our Times
Presented by: Women’s Advocacy Group of Women of Holy Blossom, in partnership with the Canadian Jewish Women’s Collective
Monday, May 12, 7:30 pm
A vital conversation with The Honourable Rosalie Abella, retired Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada and Rabbi Yael Splansky, Senior Rabbi Holy Blossom Temple.
Light dessert reception to follow
Join us for an inspiring evening where we will draw wisdom and motivation from Justice Abella and Rabbi Splansky, two extraordinarily accomplished Canadian Jewish women leaders. This
important conversation will address the challenges of our times, with a focus on the Canadian legal and social context – including women’s rights, gender-based violence, antisemitism, and the
power of women to make a difference.
Justice Rosalie Abella is renowned for her trailblazing role in the Canadian legal system. She was the first Jewish woman and the first refugee to be appointed to the Supreme Court of Canada, beginning in 2004, where she presided until her retirement in June 2021. In her four-plus decades on the bench, Justice Abella was a passionate and fearless jurist. Her understanding of equality and discrimination informed the meaning of substantive equality rights under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which in turn has responded to the needs of women and those from marginalized communities. We highly recommend watching the film Without Precedent: The Supreme Life of Rosalie Abella | Films | CBC Gem, which chronicles her life, shining a light on what motivated her and the impact of her work on Canadians.
Rabbi Yael Splansky is the first woman rabbi to be appointed to the role of Senior Rabbi in a leading Canadian synagogue and a fourth-generation Reform Jewish Rabbi. She was recently recognized by the Canadian Parliament with the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Award for her commitment to refugee relief, support and advocacy for the unhoused and building bridges among faith communities. To learn more, please click here.
Cost – $18.00 per person
In-person event
Available online; registration also required
