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November 6, 2026 | 26 Cheshvan 5787 | Candle lighting at 5:25 p.m.
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This message has approximately 1,094 words and will take about 3.5 minutes to read.
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| At Jewish Federation of British Columbia, we bring people together, invest in community priorities, and help ensure that Jewish life can thrive across our province. Whether welcoming newcomers, connecting young people to Jewish identity, supporting philanthropy, or creating opportunities for engagement, our work is rooted in strengthening the fabric of our community today and for future generations.
This week, I'm pleased to share several examples of that work in action.
Building Community, One Welcome at a Time
Building community also means ensuring newcomers feel welcomed and connected from the moment they arrive. |
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| Last month, 60 newcomers from across the Lower Mainland came together for a morning of connection, conversation, and community at our Annual Newcomers Welcome Event. Held in partnership with the JCC and in collaboration with JFS and grassroots groups Mamatefet and Moving to Vancouver, the gathering offered a warm welcome to Jewish life in BC. |
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| More than 15 community organizations joined our community fair and roundtable conversations, sharing resources and helping newcomers navigate life in their new home. Particularly inspiring were the community members who arrived in recent years and are now paying it forward by sharing their experiences and helping others find their way. Meanwhile, children enjoyed activities led by PJ Library, our ShinShinim, and teen volunteers.
A special Kol HaKavod to Aluma Zweifler Reicher, associate director of Community Planning and Engagement, whose leadership and dedication helped make this meaningful event possible.
The journey doesn't end with one event. To help newcomers continue building connections and navigating life in Canada, Federation is offering a series of free online sessions. These Zoom sessions will provide practical tools, expert advice, and opportunities to connect with others as participants settle into their new community.
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| Newcomers can choose the topics most relevant to them and register for the sessions that best meet their needs. And while the series is designed with newcomers in mind, everyone is welcome to participate and expand their knowledge.
Registration is required. Learn more and sign up here.
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Building Jewish Life Through Our ShinShinim
That same spirit of connection can be seen in the remarkable impact our four ShinShinim have made since arriving in British Columbia. |
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| In less than two months, they have packed holiday hampers with Jewish Family Services, sorted food for Project Isaiah, visited residents at Tikva Housing, joined seniors for Kehila Lunch programs, and connected with families throughout the Lower Mainland. Their reach extends beyond Vancouver, with visits already taking them across the region and plans to connect with Jewish communities throughout the province. |
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| They played an important role in our October 7 commemoration, sharing personal experiences of life in Israel during one of the most difficult periods in the country's history. Their reflections helped our community understand not only the pain and uncertainty of that day, but also the resilience, hope, and determination that followed. |
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| They also joined 40 fellow ShinShinim from across Canada in Montreal for a national leadership conference. The gathering brought together the 2026-27 ShinShinim cohorts to build relationships, exchange educational ideas, and strengthen their skills as young Jewish leaders and ambassadors. |
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| Yet what makes the ShinShinim program so powerful is not only what they teach us about Israel. They create connections across generations, inspire young people to engage more deeply with their Jewish identity, and remind us that community is built through relationships, shared experiences, and a sense of responsibility for one another. |
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| We encourage everyone to make those connections personal. Invite them for Shabbat dinner, share a home-cooked meal, take them hiking, or simply spend time together. You may be surprised by how much a few hours can mean, both to them and to you. Click here to fill out the form. |
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Experience Israel Firsthand
While our ShinShinim are bringing Israel to communities across British Columbia, there's nothing quite like experiencing it firsthand.
Registration is now open for Birthright Israel Volunteer, a trip organized by Tailor Made Israel in partnership with Jewish Federation for adults ages 30-50, taking place February 7-16, 2027. Join us for eight days of meaningful volunteering and a journey that explores our partnerships, communities and connections across Israel.
Register by December 3. Sign up here.
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Philanthropy in Action: Men's Poker Night
Building a vibrant Jewish community requires not only connection, but also a commitment to giving back.
A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for our 4th Annual Men's Poker Night in support of Jewish Federation's Annual Campaign. The evening brought our community together for friendship, camaraderie, and a shared commitment to strengthening Jewish life across British Columbia.
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One hundred men gathered around the poker tables, strengthening connections and supporting meaningful causes. Through the event's raffle, participants also helped support community security, with 50% of raffle proceeds benefiting Federation's Security Fund.
Community grows when we come together, support one another, and invest in our shared future, with a little fun along the way. |
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| We are grateful to our sponsors for their generous support and partnership in making the evening such a success.
Last Chance to Register for Choices
After more than two decades, Choices remains one of our community's most anticipated and impactful Women's Philanthropy events.
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| With just one week to go, there's still time to join hundreds of women from across our community for an evening of connection, inspiration, and impact. This year's event features Tessa Veksler, whose leadership and advocacy have inspired Jewish communities across North America.
Registration closes on Tuesday, November 10. Secure your spot here.
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| And don't forget to purchase your 50/50 raffle tickets. You could take home half the pot while helping support the vital work that strengthens our community every day.
Strengthening Jewish Life Together
From welcoming newcomers and engaging our ShinShinim to enhancing security and creating opportunities for connection across BC, this work is made possible through the generosity of donors who support Federation's Annual Campaign.
Every gift helps strengthen Jewish life, support those in need, and build a vibrant Jewish future across British Columbia.
If you haven't yet made your gift, we invite you to support this year's Annual Campaign and help strengthen Jewish life in BC, Israel, and around the world. Donate here.
This Sunday: Vancouver's First-Ever Sigd Celebration
Before the week concludes, our community has another opportunity to come together and celebrate the richness and diversity of our Jewish community. |
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| On Sunday, Jewish Federation will proudly host Vancouver's first-ever Sigd Celebration, honouring the heritage, traditions, and contributions of the Ethiopian Jewish community. We hope you will join us for this historic occasion as we learn, celebrate, and strengthen the connections that make our community so vibrant. RSVP here. |
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| Please note that Jewish Federation will be closed on Wednesday, November 11, in observance of Remembrance Day. |
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Ezra S. Shanken
CEO, Jewish Federation of British Columbia |
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| Celebrate community and music at A Circle of Love. Get tickets. |
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| Make friends and explore Jewish culture at Sababa Ba’Valley. Register here. |
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| Parents K-12: Take the survey before December 1, 2026. Click here. |
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| Learn Mahjong and connect over coffee in Langley. RSVP |
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Check out our calendar for more community events.
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| This week in my blog, I wrote about the three elections that have shaken our community, in Vancouver, in British Columbia and in Israel, and about what we are doing in response, from our For Our Children summit to building relationships with the new City Council. Read more here. |
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