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Life lessons to pass on

Dec. 2026
Jen Gilbert

I’d like you to think about the last time you had a meaningful dinner table conversation. What did you talk about? Did the conversation stay with you? Can you even remember the last time this happened?
 
How about when you recently engaged in mindless small talk: “How are you?” “I’m good,” or, “What’s new?” “Nothing much.” Most despise small talk, yet it keeps happening, and I wonder whether we’re looking for more connection—more meaning—in our conversations. 
 
In this age of AI slop, I worry we’re losing our ability to think for ourselves and engage in deep conversations, so when I listened to The Shpiel on Hamilton’s podcast episode with Lesley Simpson, creator of L'Chaim: The Jewish Letters Project, I started thinking. Simpson collects and shares meaningful Jewish letters—words of wisdom and other notes. Why can’t we do something similar within our local Jewish community? 
 
Let’s call it a small talk rebellion, where we skip the nonsense, and dive into topics that spark our creativity and take us offline, as if we’re together around a communal table. Here’s our chance to have the conversations we’ve been desperately seeking, the ones often left unsaid, the ones we wish to have before it’s too late.
 
This issue shares honest, thoughtful reflections, life lessons, and advice to pass onto the next generation. Next issue, we’ll reflect on freedom and resilience, and what they mean to us as individuals and as a collective Jewish community, here and in Israel. Share your story at [email protected].

 
 
“Treat others with kindness”  Anomitra Bhattacharya


At a time when religion is used to fuel hatred, we should remember its power to inspire goodness. Einstein described his religion as a humble admiration for the illimitable superior spirit revealed in the universe, beyond the grasp of our limited minds. For him, concern for humanity and its fate should guide all scientific endeavours; we must never lose sight of this larger purpose amid diagrams and equations. This echoes Tikkun Olam, the Jewish ideal of repairing the world. Purpose matters. Rabindranath Tagore warned that the moral, complete man was increasingly giving way to the commercial man of limited purpose. Vivekananda taught that religion’s essence lies not in rituals, scriptures, or holy places, but in living its highest ideals: goodness, reasoning, compassion, and selflessness. Whatever our beliefs, we can treat others with respect and kindness. Peace abides when we live religion’s highest ideals rather than use it to divide humanity.
 
 

“Make time for what truly matters.”  Sol Buck

When I left South Africa and immigrated to Canada, I left behind familiar surroundings, lifelong friends, family, and a way of life I had always known. Starting over in a new country was both exciting and challenging. Like many immigrants, I arrived with hopes, uncertainties, and the determination to build a better future for myself. Over the years, I learned that success is not measured by wealth or status, but by the relationships we build, the values we pass on, and the kindness we show others. If I could offer one piece of advice to the next generation, it would be don't be afraid of change. Some of life's greatest opportunities come disguised as challenges. Stay curious, work hard, treat people with respect, and never lose sight of where you came from. Your roots give you strength, but your willingness to adapt helps you grow. Life moves quickly, so cherish family, treasure friendships, and make time for what truly matters. These are the things that bring lasting meaning and fulfillment.

 

“Dreams do come true.”   Alex Gilbert

Dreams do come true. The thing is, you make them come true. When things get tough, and they will, don’t give up—just persevere and “keep up the good fight.” I started selling things as a teen; by the time I was 22 my brother and I started a business together. We grew our business to become a recognized household name in the community and across the country. At the same time, we bought (and sold) unrelated businesses right up to our early retirement. After retirement, I went back to school for approximately four years to pursue an aviation career. I became a commercial pilot, flying for a small commercial operation. I grinned every time I took flight (and still do.) I wear my captain’s epaulettes proudly. Never say never, never say can’t or won’t. You can achieve anything you set your mind to, and the only obstacle to achieving your goal, is you!

 


“Being grateful changes everything.”     Robin Zilberg

What I’ve learned the last 69 years: It’s not about what you can get, but what you can give—that’s where the magical sparks live. The way it should be, isn’t necessarily related to the way it is. There is always more to the story than what meets the eye. We all have opinions; try not to ram yours down anyone’s throat. Be mindful that people show their true colours by how they behave and what comes out of their mouth, even how they look at you—the eyes are the windows to the soul. Take personal responsibility for your part; that’s where growth lies, it’s an inside job. The more distant you are from your essence, the more misery there seems to be. Being grateful changes everything and carries a lot of weight especially when we are struggling; it’s a process. Don’t give up: you’re worth it, and the world needs you.