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January 16, 2026 | 27 Tevet 5786 | Candle lighting at 4:26 p.m.
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This message has approximately 1,103 words and will take about 4 minutes to read.
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| Last July, we introduced the Pan‑Canadian Coalition, an unprecedented collaboration that unites Jewish Federations across the country and channels Israel Emergency Campaign funds into a coordinated national response. Together, we are supporting Project Regeneration, a long‑term strategy to strengthen education in the Galilee Panhandle by investing in academic infrastructure and region‑wide learning initiatives that will shape the next generation.
Since October 7, the communities of the Galilee Panhandle have demonstrated remarkable resilience. But rebuilding requires more than courage; it requires collective responsibility.
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| What followed was our immediate response and the careful work of bringing a national coalition to life. It is a story of shared purpose and intentional collaboration, and the belief that when we act as one national community, our impact multiplies. "Everything that touches us, me and you, takes us together like a violin's bow, which draws one voice out of two separate strings." - Rainer Maria Rilke. |
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| Read more about this effort in an article by Sarah Mali, director general of Jewish Federations of Canada‑UIA in Israel.
International Holocaust Remembrance Day Commemoration
This commitment to collective care also guides the work we support here at home. One of the clearest expressions of that responsibility is Holocaust education and remembrance, an area where the Vancouver Holocaust Education Centre (VHEC) continues to play an essential role in strengthening knowledge, memory, and community resilience.
As we mark International Holocaust Remembrance Day, The Bayit and the VHEC invite you to a meaningful community gathering.
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| Join us as Holocaust survivor Mariette Doduck delivers a keynote address, followed by Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie reading the city’s proclamation. This is an important moment to reflect, learn, and honour the memory of those lost. Admission is free, and no RSVP is required; please arrive early to ensure seating. More details here. |
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| The VHEC’s impact extends far beyond this gathering. Dedicated to Holocaust education and remembrance, it is Western Canada’s leading Holocaust teaching museum. With over 8,500 items in the collections, they reach over 25,000 students per year. As BC’s curriculum evolves, educators across the province are seeking new strategies and resources to teach the Holocaust with accuracy and care. |
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| To meet this need, the VHEC is offering free professional development workshops throughout British Columbia, bringing high‑quality Holocaust education directly to local teachers and school districts. Upcoming sessions include: Maple Ridge, West Vancouver, Smithers, Langley, Victoria, Kelowna, Mission, Burnaby, Coquitlam, Nanaimo, and Surrey. Learn more here. |
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| If your region is not listed, register or arrange a session for your district or association at no cost. Email [email protected].
This increasing reach across the province reflects a broader pattern in our community and a shared commitment: Jewish life in BC is becoming more interconnected and more regional than ever before. This growing momentum sets the stage for our upcoming Community Engagement Summit, where leaders, partners, and community members from across British Columbia will gather to strengthen connections, share insights, and plan for the future of Jewish life throughout the province. Let’s hear from Sarah Mackenzie, our manager of Community Development.
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| 2026 Community Engagement Summit
Jewish life in British Columbia is built through relationships, across geography, and through shared moments that bring people together between communities and generations. Jewish Federation is creating one of those moments this spring.
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| The Community Engagement Summit, taking place May 29–31, 2026, in Whistler, is a unique province-wide gathering that brings community members of all ages and walks of life together for a shared experience. It is designed to acquaint participants with the advantages and opportunities of a federated community. Through a wide network of local, national, and international partners, participants can access programs and services ranging from child and youth engagement and summer camps to housing support, food security, education, advocacy, and connections to Israel and world Jewry. The Summit also offers opportunities to learn about leadership pathways, strengthen skills, and explore how to develop and nurture Jewish life within one’s own community. |
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| Last year’s inaugural summit brought together 100 participants from 28 communities across BC to learn, lead, and strengthen Jewish life locally. Building on that success, the 2026 Community Engagement Summit will offer an immersive weekend in the mountains featuring engaging speakers, thoughtful workshops, and meaningful opportunities for connection. |
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| The weekend is intentionally designed for learning, reflection, and relationship-building, and is open to families, with comprehensive childcare and age-appropriate programming available. Participants will also enjoy a welcoming, inclusive Shabbat experience that accommodates a wide range of traditions and practices.
This Summit reflects Federation’s commitment to strengthening connection and belonging across the province through intentional convening. With approximately 40,000 Jewish residents living across a vast geographic area, creating meaningful connections, extending services, and fostering opportunity is no small task, and a challenge most Jewish communities face. Yet BC is widely regarded as the most advanced Jewish community globally in meeting this moment—a collective effort made possible by the generosity of the Ronald S. Roadburg Foundation, our key partner in this journey, and the dedicated leadership of our Regional Communities Chair, Deborah Folka.
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| Registration is now open and includes accommodation and all kosher meals for the full weekend, allowing participants to be present throughout the experience. We invite community members from across BC to join us in Whistler for this shared provincial moment and to experience the strength of a connected Jewish community. |
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| Don’t miss out, register now to secure early bird pricing, available only until February 15! Click here for FAQs.
Our Next Step as a Provincial Federation
You may notice an early sign of an exciting evolution. At our 2025 AGM, members approved our new legal name, Jewish Federation of British Columbia, reflecting our growing provincial reach. As a result, and to comply with regulations, this name will now appear on some official documents, such as your tax receipts.
While the legal change is complete, our full public launch is still ahead. We are intentionally taking the time to plan this next chapter in consultation with our stakeholders and partners, which speaks to who we are becoming: a central address for Jewish life, philanthropy, and community impact across British Columbia.
Please save the date for our next AGM on June 23, when we will officially unveil our new look and share more about what’s coming.
Community Voices Matter
The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) has issued an important alert about U.S.-based political streamer Hasan Piker, who is scheduled to speak at UBC on February 12 and has a troubling record of comments that glorify violence and target Jews and Israelis. |
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Given the rise in antisemitism on campuses and online, this is deeply concerning. Your voice can help: CIJA is encouraging community members to take a moment to contact local MPs and urge authorities to prevent individuals who promote dangerous rhetoric from entering Canada. It only takes two minutes, and it truly makes a difference.
Take Action Here. |
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Ezra S. Shanken
CEO, Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver |
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| Don't miss out on this Sunday’s Wexner Speaker Series! Register here. |
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| Calling kids in grades 4-7 to join our Annual Speaking Contest. Register here. |
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| Join us for a glow-in-the-dark trampoline night for Jewish teens. Register here. |
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| Learn how to declutter your home, prepare for a move, and more. RSVP. |
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| Dr. Robert Krell explores the experiences of child Holocaust survivors. He emphasizes how the Holocaust forced them to grow up quickly, robbing them of childhood experiences like play, security, and parental love. This account highlights their lifelong struggle to reclaim the childhoods lost during such a traumatic time. Purchase the book here. |
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| Aviva Klompas interviews Isaac Herzog, President of Israel, about leadership amid national strain following October 7. Israel faces deep loss and questions of accountability and unity. President Herzog discusses shifts in Israeli society, unity after trauma, and the connection with world Jewry during this vulnerable period. Listen here. |
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