Carol Lee Loebenberg has built her full and diverse life based on her sincere belief in the values of community and kindness. Starting when she and her husband were a young married couple, her home has become an open house every Shabbat, hosting tens of guests on a regular basis. As of the date of this recording, this tradition has been going on for over 60 years. Growing up in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada, Carol Lee’s parents were her role models. They were devoted parents and deeply involved in their community. Her father, who felt a strong need to contribute to society when he couldn’t participate in the war, took the initiative to lead a social housing project that made a meaningful difference. While studying at university in Halifax, Carol Lee met her future husband, Ralph Loebenberg, a medical student. She laughs that she was "the cheapest date on campus" — a cup of coffee was always enough. They married and chose to settle in Halifax, a decision that wasn't obvious at the time. With no Jewish day school, it posed challenges. But the Jewish community was strong and close-knit, and by intentionally living near Ralph’s workplace, they gained something invaluable: precious family time. Looking back, Carol Lee is certain — the choice they made blossomed into a life richer than they ever could have imagined. Carol Lee became a devoted volunteer and leader in the community, taking on key roles at the shul, including leading major projects and running the shul kitchen for over 40 years. In addition to her work at the synagogue, Carol Lee, along with a few friends, spearheaded a major initiative: bringing the World Figure Skating Championships to Halifax. Their success was remarkable: they sold thousands of tickets and raised a million dollars, which went toward building a community ice rink — making skating accessible to all. Life in the unique location of Halifax led to many unexpected events and encounters throughout Carol Lee’s life. Guided by a deep belief in human connection and kindness, Carol Lee found herself taking part in many fascinating experiences over the years. At the age of 69, Ralph, Carol Lee’s husband, passed away after a battle with cancer. Just as he had been throughout his life — as a doctor, a family man, and a dedicated member of the community — Ralph remained a source of inspiration even in his final struggle. From a young girl growing up in Yarmouth Nova Scotia with a small Jewish social group sharing interesting experiences, to a young teenager travelling to Israel seeking a deeper connection to Jewish life, to a devoted wife who moves to America for two challenging years with her husband who was drafted as a doctor during the Vietnam war, to a dedicated mother and community leader in Halifax, to a grandmother and great grandmother who treasures her deep bonds with family, friends, and community , this is the story of Carol Lee Loebenberg. "https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=121519">Pixabay "https://pixabay.com/music//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=12099">Pixabay "https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=117637">Pixabay Music by folk_acoustic from Pixabay "https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=22140">Pixabay "https://pixabay.com/music//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=132333">Pixabay Music by Jonas from Pixabay Music by Alexander Shwarzborg from Pixabay Music by Dmitry Taras from Pixabay
