One Small Act. One Big Legacy.

The New Shiffman Athletic Centre

Years ago, a small act of kindness planted the seeds for a profound transformation for the children of a community. In the early 1980s, David McLean was then a young student at the Hamilton Hebrew Academy. He had a simple wish—to stay indoors during recess playing hockey in the school gym. Along with two classmates, Yishay Waxman and Kenny Cohen, McLean approached their principal, Rabbi William Z. Eisenstein a’h, with the idea. The principal agreed on one condition: they needed to find a staff member willing to supervise them. Determined, the boys sought out Mr. Aaron Shiffman a’h.

Mr. Shiffman was an unlikely candidate. He headed many organizations in the city and was the community’s elder statesman. Nonetheless, these industrious boys decided to give it a try. What happened next left an indelible mark on McLean’s life. Without hesitation, Mr. Shiffman agreed to supervise, not just once, but every single time. “I can still picture him sitting against the gym wall with his legs crossed, smiling,” McLean recalled. “At the time, I appreciated the generosity of his time, but only years later did I truly fathom the greatness of this gesture. He sacrificed so much for so long just to put smiles on the faces of children.”

This quiet act of selflessness reflected the essence of who Aaron Shiffman was—a man deeply committed to nurturing and uplifting the Jewish community. Over his lifetime, Shiffman became a beloved figure, dedicating himself to organizations such as Shalom Village, the United Hebrew Chapel, and Adas Israel Congregation, alongside his tenure at the Hamilton Hebrew Academy.

Now, nearly four decades later, the saga has come full circle. McLean has chosen to honor Shiffman’s memory in the most fitting way—by spearheading the development of the new Shiffman Athletic Centre. This state-of-the-art facility, designed to serve both the students of the Hamilton Hebrew Academy and the broader Jewish community, will act as a community hub, fostering a sense of connection and providing a safe space for recreation and growth.

The new centre’s gymnasium will be equipped with cutting-edge sports equipment, professional AV systems, and bleachers to accommodate spectators. Beyond sports, the space will host events that bring the community together. It will also serve as the home of the HHA Lions and other sports teams for both kids and adults. For the Jewish community, which has felt the absence of a central sports facility since the closure of the JCC on Lions Club Road, this new centre fills a critical need.

Coming at a time of rising antisemitism, the Shiffman Athletic Centre represents more than just a place for physical activity. It embodies a safe haven for Jewish youth to develop as healthy, proud individuals rooted in their heritage.

“The generosity of Mr. Shiffman’s time decades ago planted the seed for this incredible initiative,” McLean shared. “His example reminds us that even the smallest acts of kindness can ripple outward, shaping lives and strengthening communities for generations.”

As the doors of the Shiffman Athletic Centre prepare to open, they stand as a testament to the enduring power of one man’s kindness and a legacy that will continue to inspire the Jewish community for years to come.