One meeting that changed everything: The teacher from Canada who converted to Judaism and came to support the Gaza envelope

At the age of 49, Penny, a teacher and educator from Owen Sound, Canada, met Harvey Goldman, a Canadian Jew. Both were in the second chapter of their lives, and the love between them blossomed quickly. Along with the relationship, Penny's connection to Judaism deepened. She began a conversion process accompanied by Harvey, but just before she completed it, disaster struck – Harvey passed away unexpectedly. Despite the deep heartbreak, Penny bravely chose to continue the path they had started together.

"After Harvey passed away, I went through a very difficult period," she shares candidly. "I felt isolated, exhausted, and broken by grief. One of the things that helped me was writing my thoughts and experiences in a journal, and writing letters to Harvey before bed. Writing about the grief was a way for me to continue feeling connected to him."

Memories from the period of their joint conversion became an anchor in her life. Penny recalls the weekly conversion classes with Rabbi Alan in Toronto, which Harvey accompanied her to. On the long drives home, they held meaningful conversations about the things they learned. Together they began to keep kosher and Shabbat, and he introduced her to the customs of the Tishrei holidays and the High Holy Days.

Determined to continue the conversion

"Learning about Judaism was very comforting for me. I was excited and proud to be becoming a Jew," she shares. "When the rabbi contacted me to ask how I was, I told him that I was determined to continue the conversion journey. The weekly classes gave me something to hold onto and something to look forward to during the mourning period."

The deep loss not only reshaped her personal life but also her professional identity as an educator. It gave her extraordinary sensitivity and a deep understanding of children's pain. "I feel that I have become more sensitive and patient. I will never minimize a child's pain following the loss of friendships or even a pet. I know how real pain can be, so it is important to me to respond with compassion."

Today, her classroom is an inclusive and safe space. "I believe today more than ever that relationships and trust are more important than a perfect curriculum or high achievements. Values like respect, responsibility, and caring are a significant part of my curriculum."

The connection to Israel and Judaism received an even deeper and more tangible dimension when Penny arrived in Israel as part of the 'Binat HaLev' delegations of UJA Canada – an initiative that brings educators from Canada for direct acquaintance with Israeli society. The visit brought her to meet the communities of the Gaza envelope whose lives have been turned upside down since October 7.

"It was difficult and painful to hear the stories of people who lost so much," she shares. "But at the same time, I was very impressed by the resilience of the survivors, their willingness to share their story, to rebuild the community, and to commemorate the memory of the murdered. This meeting helped me understand more deeply the power inherent in a community, and the way they act against hatred and preserve memory through pictures and life stories."

The experiences within the delegation also sharpened for her the essence of Zionism: "The Jewish people are the indigenous people of the Land of Israel and have a right to a safe and peaceful homeland. For me, the meaning of a Jewish state is that Jews can safely practice their religion, culture, and language in it, and manage their lives in their land. I also believe in the Jewish people's right to defend themselves."

The journey to Israel opened her eyes to the scope of antisemitism and the severity of its impact on Jews around the world. Since then, Penny has harnessed the experiences she gained to fight the phenomenon. "I am looking for the most correct and effective ways to speak out against antisemitism through education, raising awareness, and using practical tools," she explains.

What antisemitism looks and sounds like

In her classroom, the rules are clear: hatred and racism are not accepted. She makes sure to teach her students explicitly what antisemitism looks and sounds like – through stereotypes, offensive jokes, and other forms of excluding the other.

This work also extends to the entire community. The synagogue where she is a member in Owen Sound recently received a significant grant to fight antisemitism. Penny is a member of a committee that will work together with the Bluewater District School Board to train educational staff to identify antisemitism and deal with it. "I am very excited to be part of this committee," she says with pride.

Ahead of her next visit to Israel in November, with the next delegation, she summarizes with a personal insight: "One of the most significant insights I took with me from the journey is how much I need the community of my Jewish friends as a support system. The meeting greatly strengthened my sense of belonging and the understanding that I don't have to go through these things alone."

Sarah Mali, CEO of UJA Canada: "Penny's story illustrates the deep meaning of the UJA's 'Binat HaLev' delegations. The direct meeting with Israelis, and in particular with leading educators and those who experienced the events of October 7, allows education professionals in Canada to deeply understand a reality that cannot be grasped from afar. For us, the meaning of the delegation is also evident in what happens after it – when the experience and knowledge gained become educational tools, classroom discourse, and action within the Jewish Federation, with the goal of strengthening the community. This is exactly the impact we seek to create."