May 30, 2025

A man in a gray blazer stands in front of a screen displaying the text "The Global Jewish 9-1-1." His name, "Shaun Goldstone," is written below.

May 30, 2025 | 3 Sivan 5785 | Candle lighting at 8:50 p.m.

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Our community is buzzing with exciting initiatives and meaningful moments—from inspiring mitzvah projects to important new developments shaping our future. As we share these stories, we invite you to reflect on the strength and spirit that connect us all. Let’s dive in.

Jewish Learning as a Catalyst for Community and Leadership

We’re thrilled to have Mijal Ben-Dori, Jewish Federation's chief planning officer, join us as a guest writer today, sharing her personal reflections on how the Wexner Heritage Program has significantly transformed and enriched our community.

In a world of quick takes and constant noise, slowing down to learn is both radical and deeply grounding. Jewish learning offers what modern life so often lacks: nuance, connection, and purpose. Rooted in ancient texts and vibrant dialogue, it invites us to ask meaningful questions, embrace complexity, and rediscover who we are—together.

When anchored in community and guided by some of North America’s most thoughtful educators, Jewish learning becomes transformative. It creates space to pause, reflect, and reconnect with ourselves, each other, and our tradition. These moments don’t just inspire—they cultivate leaders, fostering depth, clarity, and a values-driven mindset essential for meaningful leadership today.

That’s why Jewish Federation, with the generous support of The Diamond Foundation, has made sustained Jewish learning a cornerstone of its leadership and community engagement work. Through the prestigious Wexner Heritage Program, 20 committed Vancouver leaders are expanding their Jewish knowledge, strengthening their leadership skills, and deepening their impact on our community.

The Wexner Heritage Program blends rigorous Jewish study with values-based leadership development. Many of our own community’s most trusted and visionary leaders are graduates of Wexner’s first Vancouver-based cohort. Their Jewish fluency, strategic thinking, and moral clarity have helped shape the Federation and the broader Jewish community.

This year, thanks to the partnership between the Wexner and Ronald S. Roadburg Foundations and our Federation, we opened Wexner’s world-class educators to the broader community with the Wexner Speaker Series. It featured ten engaging sessions—nine open to the public and one exclusively for Hillel BC students. Each session attracted 50-90 participants on average, fostering an environment for bold questions, meaningful dialogue, and deep engagement.

These powerful gatherings were made possible by Jonathan Berkowitz and Stephen Gaerber's leadership and the dedication of Wexner spouses Anita Ray, Darryl Lagerquist, and David Salsberg, who brought the series to life.
As this program year comes to a close, we are excited to share that the Wexner cohort will continue into a second year, and that the Community Speaker Series will return alongside it.

Because lifelong Jewish learning doesn’t just shape stronger leaders—it builds more connected, resilient communities. And that’s the future we’re creating—one meaningful conversation at a time.

Empowering Young Leaders Through Jewish Values

As we celebrate today’s community leadership, we’re equally proud of the next generation being shaped in our Jewish schools. At Vancouver Talmud Torah, the Mitzvah of Valuing Philanthropy (MVP) program empowers Grade 7 students to explore what it means to be socially responsible, guided by Jewish values.

Through studying mitzvot, Jewish texts, and contemporary sources, students build a foundation in ethical responsibility, expand their “universe of obligation,” and then research, select, and advocate for organizations that reflect the values they care about. Fundraising and advocacy turn learning into real-world impact.

Since 2008, VTT students—supported by our generous community—have raised over $279,000 for nearly 300 nonprofits around the world. Mazel tov to this year’s MVP participants for their thoughtful work and commitment as they step into their B’nei Mitzvah year with heart and purpose.

Looking Ahead: JWest

Jewish Heritage Month invited us to honour the past—and to imagine the future. That future is taking shape with JWest, a bold vision for Jewish life in Metro Vancouver. With construction set to begin in spring 2026, JWest is more than a redevelopment—it’s an investment in our future.

The plan includes:

A larger, more inclusive Jewish Community Centre, better equipped to serve our growing and diverse community.
A new King David High School, offering students a modern space for learning, connection, and growth.
Two rental housing towers, including below market rentals, to ensure long-term sustainability while contributing to the city’s housing needs.

If you missed last week’s FAQ, click here to read the latest on the project.

One Year Since the Schara Tzedeck Arson: A Call to Secure Our Community’s Future
This week marks one year since the arson attack on Congregation Schara Tzedeck.

To reflect on this sombre anniversary, an op-ed by Nico Slobinsky, vice-president, Pacific Region at the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA), was published in the Vancouver Sun, addressing the rise in antisemitism in B.C., its ongoing impact on community security and the financial strain of protecting Jewish institutions. Read more here.

Rabbi Andrew Rosenblatt and Nico Slobinsky reflect on the night and discuss how communities targeted by hate are left to rebuild and secure their own institutions. Watch it here.

Global Impact, Local Commitment
We welcomed Shaun Goldstone, senior director, Global Resource Development at the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC).

Shaun shared powerful stories with Federation staff of the JDC’s life-saving work—from responding to natural disasters to supporting some of the world’s most vulnerable Jewish communities. He expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Vancouver Jewish community for being one of the JDC’s strongest global partners. Shaun also shared a special message on Instagram—watch it here.

Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful and inspiring Shavuot, as we celebrate the values of learning, community, and tradition that guide our work every day. Please note that our office will be closed on Monday, June 2 and Tuesday, June 3 in observance of the holiday.

Shabbat shalom,