It’s been three years since GEN J was launched. We got involved in this initiative because GEN J was presented as something new; it was presented as a way of opening things up. We felt that it provided a platform where people could connect proudly in the culture and values of being and “doing” Jewish. We wanted to be involved in bringing new people on board, doing new things and making Montreal the city with the highest quality of Jewish life in North America.

Reflecting back, we think that the key to success has been about engaging people where they are at, encouraging them to experience Judaism in their own way, in their own place, at their own pace. At the same time, we have also focused on reenergizing Jewish institutions, fostering excellence and ensuring accessibility.

Eight pilot programs have grown into over 270 new programs. One million dollars that Federation CJA initially invested in this initiative has grown to tens of millions of new dollars for our community.

Claudine and Stephen Bronfman, Co-Chairs