"Strength in Community"

Shabbat Message from CEO Ezra S. Shanken
 

A new year invariably brings a sense of hope and new beginnings. Despite the extraordinary challenges our community faces, drawing strength from one another and finding moments to celebrate together is important.

PJ Library is celebrating its 18^th anniversary of fostering Jewish moments at bedtime. Founder Harold Grinspoon credits Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library as the program's inspiration. Thanks to Dolly’s example and to the many donors who give generously to PJ Library, they have gifted more than 50 million books to date.

PJ library is one of the programs that you make possible when you support community through the Federation Annual Campaign. They say you set the tone for your year by the way you start it. If you haven’t yet had the opportunity, kickstart 2024 with a mitzvah and renew your gift today. 

Speaking of literary celebrations, we invite you to the launch of Bernard Pinsky’s book Ordinary, Extraordinary: My Father’s Life on Sunday January 28, 1:00-3:00 p.m., in the Wosk Auditorium of the JCC. Marsha Lederman will be engaging Bernard in a dialogue about his book, followed by a book signing and light reception.

This event is taking place at this time to commemorate International Holocaust Remembrance Day and the 79th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau. It is a time to reflect on the dangers of antisemitism left unchecked, and the role that each and every one of us can play in being vigilant against hate in all its forms. For more information, click here.

Recent events at UBC and across post-secondaries highlight the urgency in addressing antisemitism head-on.

We were deeply concerned to hear about the resignation of renowned Geriatrician Dr. Ted Rosenberg from UBC Medical School citing the University’s failure to address the rise in antisemitism. In his letter, Dr. Rosenberg shared that he no longer feels safe in the UBC environment after 30 years of teaching.

You can read his resignation letter here and read more on the situation from Canadian Jewish News here. Combatting antisemitism goes beyond safeguarding the Jewish community. It’s about protecting the very fabric of our society, both on and off campus. Universities must foster an environment that is safe, respectful, and inclusive. As your Federation, we are committed to working with UBC, Hillel BC, and CIJA to ensure that universities remain a space in which everyone can belong.

Kol Hakavod to Vancouver’s PuSh Festival for championing artistic freedom and showcasing the award-winning Canadian play, The Runner. Especially after news broke of Victoria’s SPARK Festival removing it from its lineup.

The Runner is a one-man play that tells the story of Jacob, an Orthodox Jew, who volunteers with ZAKA: a group in Israel who collects the remains of those killed in accidents to ensure their proper burial. The show was cancelled at Victoria’s Belfrey Theatre following a petition signed by 1,200 people, despite the counter-protest to keep it having 2,100 signatures.

Let’s ensure Vancouver’s PuSh Festival is a great success by attending all showings. To learn more and to buy tickets, click here.

Ending the first Shabbat message of 2024 on a positive note:

It has long been a strategic priority of ours to make Jewish community life accessible to people where they are. With that, we would like to highlight last month’s event hosted by Kulam Ba’Valley, the society formed by the Jewish community in Langley that we have supported since its inception in 2022.

With the support of our Connect Me In program, Kulam Ba’Valley saw a huge turnout for their Israeli trivia games night and dance party. The event was the perfect opportunity for their growing community to unwind, find support from one another and celebrate their love for Israel during this difficult time.

If you are looking for ways to connect with community near you, I encourage you to follow the Connect Me In Facebook page for the latest events across the region.

Shabbat shalom.

Ezra S. Shanken

CEO, Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver