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September 25, 2026 | 14 Tishrei 5787 | Candle lighting at 6:45 p.m.
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This message has approximately 999 words and will take about 3 minutes to read.
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| As Jewish Canadians emerged from Yom Kippur, we were confronted by the disturbing news of gunfire outside Sons of Jacob Synagogue in Belleville, Ontario, where members of the Jewish community had gathered to pray. |
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| We are deeply grateful to Constable Jeff Smith of the Belleville Police Service, whose courageous actions helped protect those in attendance. We join Jewish communities across Canada in praying for his full and speedy recovery. Yesterday, the name of a second officer who deserves our unending thanks was released. Constable Michael McCurdy quickly responded to the shooting attack and saved countless lives. |
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| This incident is a sobering reminder of the challenges we face nationwide. No one should have to worry about their safety when gathering to pray or participate in Jewish life.
We are deeply grateful to the Vancouver Police Department and the RCMP for their ongoing efforts to help safeguard Jewish institutions throughout British Columbia. Their professionalism, vigilance, and commitment help ensure our community can gather safely and confidently.
While the presence of security is visible during our busiest moments, much of the work that keeps our community safe happens quietly behind the scenes. To better understand what that looks like, I'm pleased to share a reflection from Yaniv our Executive Director of Community Security.
Beneath the Surface: The Quiet Work of Community Security
When you walked through the doors for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, you likely met a familiar smile, a shul greeter, a volunteer in a high-visibility vest, or the same steady guard who marks the passage of every year. You heard the murmur of greetings, the rustle of prayer shawls, and the sudden hush as the shofar blew.
What remained unseen was the extensive preparation that made that peace possible.
Long before services began, security teams assessed facilities, reviewed entry points, coordinated with community organizations, and mapped the ebb and flow of gatherers for every unique space across our community. A defence plan, after all, is not a static document; it is a living commitment, shaped brick by brick alongside the people who know these buildings best.
Months of effort went into securing vital funding, deploying trained guards, strengthening physical security measures, enhancing surveillance systems, and ensuring plans were tailored to each location's unique needs.
At the same time, we worked in lockstep with law enforcement, aligning daily with local police and national intelligence networks to monitor shifting threat landscapes and keep our community’s safety squarely on their radar.
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| Equally important was the preparation of people. Volunteers were recruited and briefed. Staff and community members received training. Roles and responsibilities were clearly defined. True security is never the responsibility of a single person standing at a door; it is built by an entire community committed to looking out for one another. |
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| During the holidays themselves, that effort continued quietly in the background. Radios remained active. Teams monitored entrances and perimeters. Layer upon layer of planning worked exactly as intended, allowing congregants to focus on prayer, reflection, and connection.
Now, as we prepare to celebrate Sukkot and look toward Simchat Torah, that work continues. We debrief, refine, and prepare once more. While the High Holidays bring these efforts into focus, safeguarding our community is an everyday responsibility.
We do this so that Jewish life in British Columbia feels not like a security operation, but like a sanctuary: a place to gather, celebrate, pray, learn, and belong.
Thank you to Yaniv, the Security Department at Federation, volunteers, community leaders, and law enforcement partners who work every day to help keep our community safe.
Interested in helping? Click here to join our Bitachon Volunteer Program and be part of keeping our community safe and secure.
Advocacy That Makes a Difference
The importance of this work makes last week's announcement from Premier David Eby especially significant.
During his speech at the Union of BC Municipalities, Premier Eby announced that the provincial government will delay the planned October 1 application of the Provincial Sales Tax (PST) to professional services, including security services.
Had the tax been implemented, Jewish institutions in Metro Vancouver alone would have faced an estimated $168,000 in additional annual costs on existing security expenditures. At a time when communities are already investing heavily to protect schools, synagogues, community centres, and other gathering places, these additional costs would have created an unnecessary burden.
In the 2027 budget consultations, the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA), along with several organizations, noted our concerns about the PST on professional services.
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| This led to its inclusion as a recommendation in a Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services report. Ahead of the High Holidays, Nico Slobinsky, Vice President, Pacific Region of the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA), published an op-ed in the Vancouver Sun on how these added costs would divert needed resources from community organizations. |
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| We congratulate and thank Nico and his team for their leadership on this issue. Through persistent advocacy and coalition-building, CIJA helped decision-makers understand the real-world impact these additional costs would have on organizations already facing significant security expenses.
This success shows what we can accomplish when our community speaks with a united voice.
Welcoming Sukkot
As we prepare to welcome Shabbat this evening, we also begin celebrating Sukkot.
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| Sukkot invites us to gather with family and friends, welcome guests into our sukkah, and reflect on the blessings that surround us. The sukkah's temporary walls remind us that life can feel uncertain, but our greatest strength comes from the community we build, support, and cherish together.
Check all the Sukkot community events in the community calendar.
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Honouring Truth and Reconciliation
As we look ahead to next week, we also recognize the importance of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Observed annually on September 30, this day provides an opportunity to honour survivors, their families, and communities, reflect on the painful legacy of residential schools, and recommit ourselves to the ongoing journey of reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.
Please note that the Jewish Federation office will be closed on Wednesday, September 30, in observance of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
Wishing you a peaceful Shabbat, a joyous Sukkot, and a wonderful holiday week with family and friends.
Shabbat Shalom and Chag Sameach,
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Ezra S. Shanken
CEO, Jewish Federation of British Columbia |
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| Follow Kfar Aza women’s stories of grief, resilience, and hope. Register here. |
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| Explore Sababa Ba’Valley programs for grades 4–12. Register here. |
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| New to our community? Join us at our welcome event. Register here. |
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Check out our calendar for more community events.
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| Explore PJ Library's collection of Sukkot resources to help make the holiday meaningful, memorable, and fun for all ages. With Federation's support of PJ Library, we're helping families across BC connect to Jewish traditions, values, and community year-round. Check PJ Library Sukkot resources here. |
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