Jewish Community Life

Find the synagogue that best suits your background and preferences. With options across the region, there is a welcoming community for every affiliation. See list of Synagogues based on location:

Vancouver:

• Jewish Community Centre

• Congregation Schara Tzedeck [Orthodox, welcoming to all]

• Beth Israel [Conservative]

• Temple Sholom [Reform]

• Congregation Beth HaMidrash [Orthodox Sephardic]

• Or Shalom Synagogue [Renewal]

• Ohel Ya’acov Community Kollel [Orthodox, welcoming all affiliations]

• Chabad Vancouver

• Chabad UBC Serving students and faculty

• Chabad Downtown
   

Richmond:

• The Bayit [Orthodox, welcoming all affiliations]

• Congregation Beth Tikvah [Conservative]

• Chabad Richmond Serving the Richmond area
   

North Shore:

• Congregation Har El -North Shore Centre for Jewish Life. [Conservative]
   

Coquitlam:

• Burquest Jewish Community Association

• Chabad Tri-Cities
   

Fraser Valley and White Rock:

• C4J Centre for Judaism

• White Rock South Surrey Jewish Community Centre
   

For other areas in BC:

• Contact Chabad Lubavitch BC for resources and connections.
   

Vancouver Island:

• Jewish Federation of Victoria & Vancouver Island

• Jewish Family Services Vancouver Island

• Jewish Community Centre of Victoria (JCCV)

• Central Vancouver Island Jewish Community Society

• Chabad Nanaimo & Central Vancouver Island

• Kolot Mayim Reform Temple

• Congregation Emanu-El Conservative Synagogue
   

Kelowna

• Okanagan Jewish Community Centre

• The Okanagan Chabad House
   

Looking to connect in other areas? Don’t hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected]. We may be able to connect you with someone in your area

Building personal connections is key to feeling at home in a new place. Engaging with community members will help you find support, friendship, and a sense of belonging, enriching your experience as you settle into your new environment. Through events, shared interests, and local groups, you can create a vibrant social network and make BC truly feel like home.

Explore Community Events:

• Visit our community calendar to find local events.

• Email [email protected] to be connected with a community connector outside of the city of Vancouver.

• Contact Aluma Zweifler at [email protected] for information on grassroots organizations and social groups.

• Join social media groups like the Jewish Federation’s Facebook page to stay informed.

• Complete our form to share your interests and let us know how we can support you.
   

Engage in Mutual Activities and Hobbies:

• Explore JCCGV programs to find activities that align with your interests and meet like-minded people.

• Use Facebook to find hobby-specific groups, such as hiking or cycling communities.
   

Volunteer to Build Connections:

• Visit our community job board to find volunteering opportunities.

• Learn more in our volunteering opportunities newcomers resources section.
   

Find Events and Things to Do:

• Use platforms like Meet Up , Showpass , and Eventbrite to discover events in your area.

• Search for city-specific activities, like “Events in Vancouver.”

• Learn about Canadian culture here to better integrate into local life.
   

Programs for Students and Young Adults

• Hillel BC : Social, cultural, and educational programs for students on campuses across BC.

• Jewish Federation Young Adult Initiatives : Programs for Jewish young professionals to connect and network.
   

Resources for Seniors

• Louis Brier Home and Hospital : A senior care facility offering comprehensive services.

• Weinberg Residence : Assisted living and multi-level care for seniors.

• Jewish Seniors Alliance : Advocacy, resources, and social opportunities for seniors.

• Kehila Society of Richmond : Community programs and support for seniors.

• JCC 55+ Department : Classes, events, and resources tailored for seniors.

• L’Chaim Adult Day Centre : A day program providing social, cultural, and wellness activities.

Jewish arts and culture in Vancouver strengthen community connections and provide opportunities for entertainment, creativity, and learning:

• Jewish Community Centre in Vancouver (JCCGV) : Hub for arts and cultural programs

• Chutzpah Festival! : A premier performing arts festival featuring Jewish talent

• Jewish Book Festival : Literary celebration of Jewish authors and stories

• Jewish Museum and Archives of BC : Celebrating Jewish history and heritage

• Vancouver Holocaust Education Centre : Preserving and teaching Holocaust history

• Vancouver Jewish Film Centre : Showcasing Jewish-themed films

• Jewish Independent Newspaper : News and insights from the Jewish community

These organizations provide a wide range of services, support, and opportunities, offering ways to connect, engage, contribute, and find support within the Jewish community.
 

• Canadian Friends of Hebrew University - CFHU promotes awareness, leadership, and financial support for The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, ensuring it remains a leader in innovation and education worldwide.
   

• Canadian Friends of Ben Gurion University - BGU Canada raises funds and awareness to support Ben-Gurion University’s groundbreaking research, innovative programs, and community outreach, showcasing its leadership in desert studies, sustainability, and global health initiatives.
   

• Canadian Jewish Public Affairs Committee (CJPAC) : A national, independent, multi-partisan organization, aiming to engage Jewish and pro-Israel Canadians in the democratic process and to foster active political participation.
   

• Chevra Kadisha: Provides respectful and traditional Jewish burial services.
   

• Hadassah-WIZO Council of Vancouver : A non-political, non-partisan network of volunteers dedicated to empowering women and families by supporting education, healthcare, and social services in Israel and Canada through fundraising, advocacy, and community initiatives.
   

• Hillel BC : Supports Jewish students on campuses across BC with social, educational, and cultural programming.




• Israel Bonds : Offers investment opportunities that directly support the development of Israel’s economy.
   

• Jewish Community Foundation : Supports local, national, and global causes by managing charitable funds and fostering philanthropy in Greater Vancouver's Jewish community. Founded as part of the Jewish Federation, it facilitates legacy giving and planned philanthropy to ensure long-term community stability.
   

• Jewish Community Centre of Greater Vancouver (JCCGV) : A vibrant hub for culture, arts, fitness, and social activities, fostering connections to Jewish life, Israel, and community while promoting education, recreation, and good citizenship for all ages.
   

• Jewish Family Services (JFS) : Enhancing quality of life in the Lower Mainland, JFS offers a range of programs, including affordable counseling, food security initiatives, and housing support, serving both the Jewish and broader community.
   

• Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver : Our community’s centre for Jewish philanthropy. Federation works closely with many community organizations to identify current, emerging, and new needs in our community. Federation has many important programs such as Reginal Communities Development Programs.
   

• JQT (Jewish queer and trans) : Advocates for and supports Jewish queer and trans individuals in the community.
   

• Jewish Federations of Canada - UIA : Strengthens Canadian Jewish communities by fostering connections with Israel and global Jewish communities, promoting engagement, and supporting philanthropy nationally and internationally.
   

• Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI) : Since 1929, JAFI has connected Jews worldwide by fostering Jewish identity, facilitating aliyah, ensuring global Jewish safety, and strengthening ties to Israel and its diverse communities.
   

• Naamat Canada : Founded as Pioneer Women and inspired by leaders like Golda Meir, Na’amat is a non-profit organization empowering women, children, and families in Israel and Canada through education, social services, and advocacy, while trailblazing gender equality and human rights.
   

• National Council of Jewish Women in Canada : Dedicated to promoting social justice and human welfare through education, service, and advocacy locally, nationally, and internationally, with consultative status at the United Nations via its affiliate, the International Council of Jewish Women.
   

• The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) : The advocacy agent for Jewish Federations of Canada-UIA, CIJA represents Jewish Canadians by advocating for Jewish interests, fostering relationships with policymakers and the public, and connecting to global Jewish organizations as the Canadian affiliate of the World Jewish Congress.
   

To learn more about Jewish Education, see our Education Resources section.