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December 19, 2025 | 29 Kislev 5786 | Candle lighting at 3:57 p.m.
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This message has approximately 1,100 words and will take about 4 minutes to read.
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| Before anything else, I want to recognize that these are extraordinary times, and they require extraordinary measures. The unchecked rise of antisemitism and violent extremism has made vigilance essential. What happened at Bondi Beach in Australia was shocking, but tragically not surprising. It was a stark reminder that these threats are global and that Canada is not immune.
We are living in a moment of shared pain, and we feel it deeply. We will be strong. We will be resolute. And we will do whatever it takes to keep people safe. And because this is the reality we are facing, we do not take safety for granted, not for a moment.
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| If there was ever a moment to support our community, this is it. We need you now. This is about all of us. This is the Power of Together; it is personal. Help keep our community secure, supported and connected through the Federation Annual Campaign with a gift before year-end to receive your 2025 tax receipt. |
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| And in the midst of all of this, what we have witnessed over the past six days has been extraordinary. Our community, joined by allies and faith leaders, has shown up in numbers we have never seen before. Overflow crowds. Shared resolve. Unmistakable solidarity. We are out there, every day, making sure our story is heard. |
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| Our community shone brighter than ever at the Silber Agam Menorah lighting at the Vancouver Art Gallery. Hundreds gathered with government leaders to affirm we are proudly Jewish, strong, and resilient. Like the Maccabees, we will never stop standing firm against those who seek to silence us. |
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| Thank you to Chabad Lubavitch BC, the Silber Family Foundation, and everyone who brought friends and allies. Standing together sends a powerful message: light and solidarity will always overcome hate.
I want to thank the people who help make it possible for our community to gather openly and proudly: our police, firefighters, and security volunteers.
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| We met with Vancouver Police Chief Constable Steve Rai and members of the VPD to express our deep gratitude for their constant presence and partnership. Their commitment allows us to celebrate Jewish life with confidence, even in this moment. We shared challenge coins as a small token of appreciation, and, of course, sufganiyot, because gratitude is better with a little sweetness. |
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| We also visited Fire Chief Karen Fry, who not only welcomed us warmly but shared practical menorah safety tips, thoughtful, caring guidance that reminds us how deeply these leaders look out for our community. We’ve already put her advice into practice at home. Watch her suggested tips here. |
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| Our Bitachon volunteers came together as well to light the menorah, joined by VPD Superintendent Marco Veronesi. In a powerful moment of mutual respect, he thanked our volunteers for their dedication to keeping Jewish spaces safe and reaffirmed the VPD’s commitment to standing with our community. |
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| These relationships matters. They're strong. And it’s one of the reasons we are able to gather as we do.
The Fight Against Antisemitism is a Fight for Canada
Strengthening our community’s security is essential, but we cannot accept a future where some communities build higher walls while hatred grows unchecked.
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Brighten BC: We’re Everywhere
Even as we face difficult truths, we choose visibility and light. Through Brighten BC, we are creating meaningful moments that bring people together, strengthen our sense of community and bring a little more light across the province.
In Port Moody, for instance, what began as a paint night turned into a heartfelt celebration as the first Hanukkah candle was lit, music played, and sufganiyot were shared.
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| In Whistler, gathering felt more meaningful than ever after the shocking events in Australia. Families celebrated at the library and later on the Brewhouse patio for the first public menorah lighting. The togetherness across our province has been deeply moving, and proof that Hanukkah’s message endures. |
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| There’s still time to enjoy Hanukkah events happening through December 22. Check out the Brighten BC page to see what’s coming up near you. Please join us in amplifying Brighten BC by taking a picture with a menorah, eating a sufganiyot or playing with the dreidels, and tag #BrightenBC and shine the light of Hanukkah even brighter. |
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| Sweet Showdown: Over 300 Donut Testers Weigh In! |
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Don’t forget the Hanukkah Donut Contest! Taste, vote, and share your favourites from participating bakeries. Voting is open until December 21, and the winner will be announced on December 29. It’s a delicious way to celebrate tradition.
Participate in our Hanukkah Donut Contest here. |
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Acts of Kindness and Time to Recharge
Celebration is one way we bring light, and service is another. Our partner agency, King David High School, recently wrapped up its annual Random Acts of Chesed (RAC) Week, a tradition inspired by their beloved Gabrielle Isserow z’l. Fifteen years ago, Gabrielle’s kindness and generous spirit sparked a movement that continues to grow. RAC Week is more than volunteering; it’s about building bridges and strengthening partnerships across our community. Every act of chesed reminds us that when we work together, we amplify the impact of kindness and create lasting connections.
“RAC Week reminds us that the light we bring into the world grows brighter when it is shared. Watching our students volunteer throughout the community, paying it forward and living our Jewish values of chesed and community, fills me with deep pride. Thank you to our students, parents, and staff for shining your light and truly lighting the way.”, Dr. Seth Goldsweig, Head of School, told us. |
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| This year, RAC Week coincided with Hanukkah, a beautiful opportunity to live out our core Jewish values through meaningful action. When we give to others, we pause and notice the blessings in our own lives. |
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| We see the small miracles that surround us and recognize both our power and our responsibility to increase light in the world.
And after all that hard work, they’ll need some time to rest, just like students across all schools, as winter break begins. As a father, I know how much my own kids look forward to this pause. It’s the perfect opportunity to slow down, enjoy family, and recharge.
I hope your holidays are filled with laughter, warmth, and maybe a few extra sufganiyot. Wishing everyone a joyful and restful break.
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| Shabbat Shalom and chag Hanukkah sameach, |
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Ezra S. Shanken
CEO, Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver |
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| Register for the next Wexner event: From the Ottoman Empire to Auschwitz. |
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| Join our Pan-Canadian Professional Experience in Israel. Learn more here. |
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| Host a ShinShin for a day and help them check off their bucket list. RSVP here. |
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| Join the Artists & Athletes' mission to Etzbah Ha'Galil. Learn more here. |
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| Keeping with recent Call me Back tradition, Dan was joined by Rachel Goldberg-Polin to discuss the timeless meaning of the Hanukkah story. What does it say about the conflict Jews face today? Can the few really defeat the many? And why are Jews so obsessed with counting? Listen to it here. |
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On this episode of The CJN’s North Star podcast, we hear from Levi Moskovitz, the only Canadian teen on the international board of BBYO, about why BBYO is sort of a family business. His father, Rabbi Dan Moskovitz, himself a former BBYO international leader, also joins, and we’ll hear from BBYO’s regional director in Winnipeg, Jonah Posner. Learn more here.
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