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March 6, 2026 | Adar 17 5786 | Candle lighting at 5:46 p.m.
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This message has approximately 984 words and will take about 3 minutes to read.
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| This has been a week that once again underscored how challenging these times are, most acutely for Israelis, and also for Jewish communities here in Canada. The reality unfolding in Israel continues to intensify, with ongoing missile and drone attacks targeting civilian areas. These events weigh heavily on many in our community who are watching anxiously, supporting loved ones, or simply trying to process a moment that feels increasingly unstable.
To help our community stay informed, we are bringing you an opportunity to hear directly from our partners in the region.
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| This Sunday at 10 AM PST, we will bring together leaders from our Northern Galilee communities living on the northern frontline and central to our Federation’s partnership work. In recent days, sirens have sounded across the north following rocket fire from Lebanon, with alerts activated in several towns. |
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| Hearing directly from those experiencing these conditions offers essential insight into the pressures facing the region today. Register here.
Our understanding of the shared experiences of the Iranian‑Canadian community has also deepened. Many continue to speak out bravely against the aggression of the Iranian regime and in support of women’s rights, minority rights, and democratic freedoms. Their advocacy echoes the moral clarity at the heart of Purim—the courage to stand against injustice, even at personal risk. At a time when the regime poses heightened risks for Jewish and Persian communities worldwide, we encourage you to watch CIJA’s recent webinar exploring these shared concerns and the strong bonds of support between our communities. Watch it here
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Northern Galilee Regeneration Fund
As residents of Israel’s north continue to spend significant portions of their days in shelters and the emergency reality persists, our Federation remains focused on supporting the long-term regeneration of the region in the aftermath of October 7. |
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| Building on our historic and steadfast partnership with communities across the north, our Regeneration Fund is the mechanism through which we advance this work, strengthening the foundations for renewed growth, resilience, and long-term success for this critical region and the families who call it home. |
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| We invite our community to stand with us in supporting this effort and helping ensure a strong and vibrant future for Israel’s north. Make your gift here.
Purim Amidst the Storm of Adversity
Against this backdrop, Israelis found meaningful ways to observe Purim with remarkable determination.
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| Even between alerts, small groups gathered for megillah readings, neighbours prayed together outdoors, and parents worked hard to create moments of joy and normalcy for children. Their resilience captures the essence of Purim: choosing hope and courage when circumstances are far from certain. |
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| Here at home, Purim brought its own grounding and comfort. Families gathered, children filled our spaces with costumes and colour, and familiar traditions offered stability during a difficult week. These moments reminded us that living Jewishly, openly, proudly, and joyfully, remains a source of strength and connection for our entire community |
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Strengthening Safety at Home
This week’s mix of heaviness and hope was interrupted by deeply troubling news from Toronto, where Emanuel Synagogue was struck by gunfire. Thankfully, no one was present, but the emotional impact was significant. Incidents like this are stark reminders of rising antisemitism across Canada and the need to respond with clarity, confidence, and unity.
Here in British Columbia, Jewish Federation continues to work closely with law enforcement and our community security partners to help ensure our synagogues, schools, and community spaces remain safe and welcoming. This work is also in collaboration with Jewish organizations, institutions and leaders across the province. It will allow our partner agencies to deliver the essential programs our community relies on, support for seniors and families, Jewish education, youth engagement, arts and culture, and the many initiatives that sustain Jewish life across the region.
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| As mentioned in last week's Shabbat message, as part of strengthening our local resilience, we are launching a province‑wide preparedness initiative in collaboration with JReady. To lay the groundwork for this effort, we have opened a community preparedness survey, and we invite you to participate. Simply click here to access the survey. |
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Celebrating Young Voices
A highlight this week was Jewish Federation's annual public speaking contest for grades 4 to 7. |
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| Mazel tov to all the students who participated, and a heartfelt thank you to the families and teachers who supported them. Established in 1989 by Larry Barzelai, in collaboration with his wife, Rhona Gordon, the contest is presented in partnership with Federation, the JCC, and Israel Bonds. It provides young people with a meaningful platform to express their ideas. |
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| Their confidence and creativity reflect the strength and promise of the next generation.
Looking Ahead: Regional Communities Summit
One of the most meaningful opportunities on the horizon is this year’s Regional Communities Summit. We are preparing to welcome community members from across British Columbia for a gathering that reflects just how much our province‑wide Jewish community has grown, both in numbers and in connection.
The summit brings together leaders, volunteers, and community builders from communities of all sizes to learn, collaborate, and strengthen Jewish life in every corner of B.C. It is a rare and powerful moment when the breadth of our province truly comes into focus, and when the shared commitment to vibrant Jewish life becomes unmistakably clear.
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Early bird registration is open until March 31, and we encourage those in regional communities and those committed to strengthening their vibrancy to join us. Strengthening Jewish life across B.C. remains central to Federation’s mission, and this summit plays an essential role in advancing that work.
Learn more. |
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| International Women’s Day
As we approach International Women’s Day, we honour the extraordinary women who strengthen Jewish life every day, here at Federation, in our partner agencies, and across our community. Women lead in every part of our organization, bringing vision, professionalism, and compassion to every aspect of our work.
We are equally grateful for the women who lead as volunteers and philanthropists. Our lay leaders, Lions of Judah, and Pomegranates form a powerful network of generosity and action, sustaining critical programs for seniors, newcomers, vulnerable families, Jewish education, and youth engagement.
Our community is further enriched by the National Council of Jewish Women Canada, Hadassah‑WIZO, Na’amat Canada, and Mama Tefet. Through advocacy and volunteer leadership, they strengthen families and build a more caring region.
To all the women in our lives, and especially to my wife, Rachel, thank you for your unwavering commitment to building a stronger future for us all.
Shabbat shalom, |
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Ezra S. Shanken
CEO, Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver |
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| Don't forget to register for the next Wexner Speaker session. RSVP here. |
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| Join your community and try the classic Canadian sport of curling. RSVP here |
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| In International Women’s Month, I recommend reading the book by Canadian-Jewish author Caryl Dolinko, who is also a valuable staff member at the Federation. This travel guide and memoir draws on her forty years of experience visiting nearly 100 countries. It addresses the unique challenges women face while travelling and offers practical advice. Learn more here. |
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| Discover the inspiring true stories of remarkable Jewish women with the selection of seven books from PJ Library and PJ Our Way. These narratives celebrate strength, courage, and resilience, serving as powerful role models for young readers. Introduce these impactful stories to inspire the next generation. Check out the selection here. |
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