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December 5, 2025 | 15 Kislev 5786 | Candle lighting at 3:57 p.m.
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This message has approximately 1,170 words and will take about 4.5 minutes to read.
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| Today is International Volunteers Day, a perfect moment to celebrate those who give their time, energy, and heart to strengthen our community. Volunteers are the heartbeat of everything we do. |
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| From canvassing to share important messages and rally support, to welcoming newcomers, organizing events, and standing beside those in need. Their generosity reminds us that the strength of a community lies in the willingness to show up for one another, a principle rooted in kol Yisrael arevim zeh bazeh (all of Israel is responsible for one another), a timeless value that continues to guide us today. |
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| This day also invites us to reflect on what it means to belong. In times of challenge and change, we’ve seen how acts of kindness, big and small, create ripples of hope. If you’ve ever wondered how you can make a difference, volunteering is one of the most meaningful ways to start. Together, we can continue to build a community rooted in care and connection. Learn more here.
And Speaking of Community in Action…
This past week, members of the Whistler Jewish community gathered in unity and pride to cheer on the Israeli bobsled and skeleton teams.
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| A moving moment came when a member of the Whistler community proudly held the Israeli flag as the bobsled team, driver AJ Edelman and skeleton athlete Jared Firestone stepped onto the podium to receive their silver medals. |
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| This achievement brings the team one step closer to realizing their Olympic dream, and the community that stood behind them could not be prouder.
JFS and JACS: Cornerstones of Care and Support
That same spirit of solidarity was evident at the first joint AGM for JFS and JACS since their transition, a milestone that reflects the vital role these agencies play in strengthening our community. Together, they provide essential services, from mental health and addiction support to food security and more, ensuring that individuals and families have the care they need.
The evening featured a deeply moving awards section, honouring staff, lay leaders, and partners, including Jody Dales, Bill Kaplan, and the Vancouver Police Department (VPD) for their extraordinary contributions. We also celebrated new leadership as Shelley Rivkin was installed as Board Chair. Congratulations, Shelley!
Among the most inspiring highlights was Kristina Corpin-Moser’s heartfelt message. Now Executive Director of Filipino BC, Kristina shared how Jewish Federation and the Ronald S. Roadburg Foundation’s support helped develop care initiatives during a time of crisis, and how JFS inspired their Kitchen program. Her words underscored the bonds between communities and the enduring values of compassion and responsibility that guide us.
Binat Halevi: From Global Challenges to Local Action
That spirit of care is what inspired the Binat HaLev program, created by the Jewish Federation of Canada–UIA in response to the aftermath of October 7. Designed for mental health and education professionals, this initiative offers tools to navigate trauma and foster resilience, work that resonates deeply with our values. Since its launch in late 2024, our Federation has proudly supported local educators and mental health professionals in joining this program. The impact has been profound:
- 100% reported a deeper emotional connection to Israel.
- 96% felt a stronger sense of shared destiny with Israelis.
- 92% said they are more familiar with the complexities of Israeli society.
- 88% developed stronger collegial relationships with Jewish and Israeli professionals.
These numbers tell a story of renewed bonds and shared purpose, a reminder that healing begins with understanding and connection.
Lessons from Israel: A Personal Reflection
Flavia Braunstein Markman, a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the BCACC-BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (RCC), joined the last Therapists' mission to Israel and is sharing her experience below.
I recently travelled to Israel with Binat Halev, a program created to bring mental health professionals together to learn about post-traumatic resilience and growth.
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| The experience offered me not only valuable clinical insights but also a profound personal shift. Throughout our visit, we met with clinicians supporting those affected by the events of October 7—hostages and their families, survivors of the attacks, soldiers who faced the realities of war and the loss of loved ones, and many others. |
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| What struck me most was the extraordinary capacity of Israeli mental health professionals to see each person as a unique individual within a much larger collective trauma. While the country continues to carry the weight of a shared national wound, every survivor holds a personal narrative that requires space, nuance, and deep respect. The clinicians we met consistently emphasized the importance of distinguishing the individual from the trauma they experienced, allowing them to reclaim agency, rebuild meaning, and rediscover purpose. I am not what happened to me; it does not define me. I am what I choose to do with what happened. My trauma becomes my growth.
This journey also connected me with professionals from across Canada who, like me, were seeking community and support after October 7. Many of us had been feeling isolated in our roles, and being part of this group helped us rediscover a sense of belonging and a renewed shared mission.
Ultimately, the greatest lesson I carried home from this experience was the power of human relationships—how empathy, presence, and thoughtful attention to the individual can open pathways toward healing, resilience, and growth, even in the aftermath of profound suffering.
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We’re excited to share the upcoming dates for the 2026 Binat HaLev missions:
- May 17–21, 2026: Mental Health Professionals Mission
- July 13–17, 2026: Educators Mission
- December 28, 2026 - January 1, 2027: Educators Mission
Interested in the upcoming trips? Please reach out to Omer Gigi, manager of Israel Engagement, at [email protected].
Here at Home: Empowering Newcomers' Journeys
Starting life in a new country is a big step, and no one should have to do it alone. That’s why our Newcomers Program is here: to make the transition smoother, more informed, and filled with opportunities to connect. Over the past year, we’ve hosted interactive sessions and welcoming events that don’t just share information; they create spaces for connection, conversation, and community. |
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| As the year draws to a close and a new one begins, we’re continuing this important work. This December and January, join us for free online sessions designed to give you the tools and confidence to succeed in British Columbia. Whether you’re new to Canada or simply looking for clarity, these sessions will help you feel prepared, empowered, and ready to thrive in the year ahead. Register here. |
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Gratitude and Looking Ahead
To our volunteers, donors, educators, mental health professionals, and community partners, thank you. Your dedication ensures that our community remains strong, compassionate, and united. Let’s keep building bridges between individuals, across communities, and around the world.
Together, we can create spaces for healing, belonging, and hope. We are proud to say that our mission, to strengthen the quality of Jewish life locally, in Israel, and around the world, is not just an aspiration; it’s a reality we live every day through programs, partnerships, and the unwavering commitment of our community.
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Ezra S. Shanken
CEO, Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver |
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| Our Jewish business club is meeting in Victoria next week. Register here. |
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| Join the Artists & Athletes' mission to Etzbah Ha'Galil. Learn more here. |
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As America’s bipartisan consensus on Jewish concerns falters, many fear the odds are stacked against our community. How can Jews advocate effectively, and what tools should they use? Elana Stein Hain and strategist Stacy Burdett explore Parashat Vayetze, Jacob’s tense dealings with Lavan, and what they teach about ethical Jewish advocacy today.
Listen to the podcast here. |
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The October 7 attack on Israel exposed a surge in antisemitism. Amid this dark moment, ties to community, culture, and faith endure. Rabbi Cosgrove tackles tough questions: the roots of antisemitism, Israel and Zionism’s role in American Judaism, and how to live Jewishly in a world often hostile to Jews.
For more information about the book, click here. |
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