November 21, 2025

A large audience of women seated at tables in a banquet hall, watching a presentation on stage with two speakers and a screen displaying text.

November 21, 2025 | 1 Kislev 5786 | Candle lighting at 4:06 p.m.

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Last Sunday, we marked 21 incredible years of Choices, a celebration of women’s leadership and philanthropy that continues to shape our community. The theme, L’dor Vador—from generation to generation, captured the essence of the day: honouring the legacy we cherish and embracing the responsibility to carry it forward.

We were honoured to welcome keynote speaker Mandana Dayani, joined by her husband Peter Traugott, for a powerful conversation. Mandana’s story, from refugee to global leader and activist, illustrated the strength of resilience and the impact of purpose. Her words challenged us to lead boldly and create change that lasts.

Mandana shared that her One Mitzvah a Day initiative has now been adopted by Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA), and she’s excited to see how it will continue to grow. She explained that once you sign up, you’ll receive a text message each morning, and with just a few clicks, you can take a small but meaningful action.
Through Choices, we celebrated extraordinary women who have transformed compassion into action. Their leadership lights the way for the next generation, proving that philanthropy is not just about giving, it’s about belonging, responsibility, and hope.

A heartfelt thank you to Gail James and her granddaughter, Briana James, and to Lisa Boroditsky and her mother, Lola Pawer, our incredible Co-Chairs of Choices 2025. Your dedication and hard work have made this milestone event truly special.

Let’s keep the momentum going. Make your gift today, and your impact will be doubled. Thanks to PearTree Canada, every gift made before Giving Tuesday will be matched—ensuring your generosity goes twice as far in strengthening the programs and experiences that matter most to our community. Double your impact here.

Insights from the General Assembly

While Choices was happening here at home, we joined thousands of Jewish leaders who gathered in Washington, D.C., for JFNA’s General Assembly (GA). Our Vancouver delegation, Campaign Director Gayle Morris, Campaign Chair Sue Hector, lay leader Jody Dales (who attended with her son, Arieh), and I, met with peers from across the continent for two days of learning, connection, and shared purpose.

One theme echoed throughout the GA: resilience, how we nurture it in ourselves, our families, and our community. Rabbi Angela Buchdahl, this year’s GA scholar-in-residence, reminded us that the Jewish people are not a race but a family—one you can be born into, marry into, or join by choice. From former hostages to thought leaders, including CIJA’s Richard Marceau, the message was clear: our Jewish family knows how to face hardship, adapt, and move forward. These stories strengthen the resilience of the next generation.

We also heard powerful perspectives on today’s challenges. Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) warned that social media algorithms are fueling antisemitism—especially among young people—by spreading misinformation that distorts history and deepens hostility toward Israel.

“If you are getting your history degree from the TikTok machine, you are going to emerge with a deep, deep distaste, or worse, for Israel,” he said. Fetterman stressed the need to counter these narratives and pursue a path toward peace, even when it means taking a politically unique stand.

Spotlight on Our Shlichim and ShinShinim
It has also been an exciting week for our six shlichim, who serve through the ShinShinim Program, the Israeli Fellows Program, and Habonim Dror Shaliach.

In addition to their work here in Vancouver, they joined over 400 peers at the annual Shlichut Conference in Stamford, CT—a key event organized by the Jewish Agency that brings together emissaries from across North America for training, networking, and sharing best practices.

A highlight of the conference was hearing from Natan Sharansky, former Knesset member and former head of the Jewish Agency, whose vision helped shape programs like ShinShinim and Israel Fellows, initiatives that continue to enrich Jewish life here in Vancouver.

And speaking of ShinShinim, we’re thrilled to introduce BC Bucket Life, a new initiative inviting families to host a ShinShin for a day and help them check off their bucket list before summer camp. From hiking our beautiful trails to attending a hockey game, these experiences create lasting memories and deepen their connection to our community.

Interested in hosting? Click here to sign up.

National Housing Day – November 22

As we celebrate leadership and resilience, we also recognize the essential role of safe, affordable housing in building a strong and inclusive community. November 22 marks National Housing Day, a reminder that housing is more than shelter—it’s dignity, security, and belonging.

We are proud to partner with agencies like Tikva Housing and Yaffa Housing that make this vision a reality. Tikva Housing provides affordable homes for individuals and families, ensuring that financial challenges never stand in the way of living Jewish life. Yaffa Housing offers supportive housing for adults with mental health challenges, creating spaces where care and community go hand in hand.

They reflect our shared values: compassion, responsibility, and the belief that everyone deserves a place to call home. On National Housing Day, let’s honour their work and reaffirm our commitment to a community where no one is left behind.

Shabbat shalom,