Shabbat Message from Ezra S. Shanken

Big news for the first Shabbat of 2022!


Shabbat Message from CEO Ezra S. Shanken

 

January 7, 2022 | 5 Shevat 5782

 


 

This message has about 576 words and will take less than 2 minute to read.

Over the past few weeks, many of you have generously supported our BC flood relief efforts, and I want you to know that we are also helping other communities that have been affected by disasters.
 
Our board approved $3,600 USD to support the relief efforts of JEWISHcolorado. 

The funds will help the hundreds of people who lost their homes, and thousands who were evacuated, as a result of the wildfires that ravaged Boulder County just before the New Year.

Here at home, Shelley Rivkin, our VP global and local engagement, is participating in a call with GiveClear Canada and charities in the Fraser Valley as we stay abreast of how needs are evolving there. She has also reached out to a number of our partner agencies as we continue to identify ways to support them.
 
In the lead up to 2022, you have probably seen memes poking fun and warning us not to expect much from the year ahead. But not for us. We are starting the year by celebrating a big announcement:
 
Mark Gurvis has been appointed CEO of the Ronald S. Roadburg Foundation!
 
We are beyond thrilled to welcome Mark back to Vancouver in this important role at this new organization. Mark’s professional accomplishments are extraordinary, and he will surely bring a strategic approach that will not only benefit the foundation and our community, but Canadian and global Jewry.
 
We are well aware that no matter how much we build or contribute to our Federation, those of us who work here today, including me, stand on the shoulders of giants. The communal professionals who were here before us laid the groundwork for much of what we are able to accomplish today. Not a day goes by that we aren’t grateful to Mark, who served as our Federation’s executive director and CEO for more than a decade before he was appointed executive vice president of Jewish Federations of North America.
 
Tikkun olam (repairing the world) is the core value that drives the Ronald S. Roadburg Foundation’s mission to fund transformative change that alleviates chronic societal issues, such as addiction, shields at-risk communities from racism, violence and more, and strengthens local and global Jewish communities.
 
The foundation is funded by the generosity of Ronald Roadburg z"l, and was founded by three members of our community: Bernard Pinsky, Stephen Gaerber and Jack Bogdonov, who also comprise the foundation’s board. Together, they bring an incredible depth and breadth of knowledge and savvy leadership that will be invaluable to the foundation, which expects to commence operations in the second quarter of 2022. 
 
We have been fortunate to benefit from Bernard and Stephen’s leadership over many years, as both of them have been closely involved with our Jewish Federation. They have each chaired numerous committees and served as board chair. Bernard chaired the Annual Campaign in 2000 and currently serves as chair of our Community Security Advisory Committee. Stephen is a governor of the Jewish Community Foundation and member of the investment committee. Jack is Ron Roadburg’s z"l cousin, and is a retired engineer who has considerable experience with foundations and trusts.
 
With the new responsibilities they have taken on with the Ronald S. Roadburg Foundation, and soon in partnership with Mark, they have found yet another way to make an impact and we are incredibly proud of the work they are doing. We look forward to working closely with all of them and with the Roadburg Foundation. 

 

Shabbat Shalom.

 

Ezra S. Shanken
Chief Executive Officer

Mark Gurvis