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April 10, 2026 | 23 Nissan 5786 | Candle lighting at 7:40 p.m.
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This message has approximately 856 words and will take about 3 minutes to read.
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As we welcome Shabbat, I have been reflecting on Passover, a holiday that asks us not only to remember the story of liberation, but to act on its lessons. Passover reminds us that freedom and dignity are sustained through responsibility to one another, especially to those who may be isolated, vulnerable, or facing barriers.
As we return to the rhythm of weekly life, I feel deep gratitude for the ways our community carried these values forward in tangible and meaningful ways. |
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| That spirit was powerfully expressed through the extraordinary Passover efforts led by Jewish Family Services (JFS), in partnership with the RAV (Rabbinical Association of Vancouver), which we proudly support. At Schara Tzedeck, volunteers packed and delivered over 300 “Seder in a Box” meals, ensuring that clients could observe the holiday with connection and dignity. |
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| These meals reached 145 households, including 100 senior households who were unable to attend in‑person seders, and at least 45 families who faced barriers to attending community seders. For many, this was more than food; it was a reminder that they are not alone.
In addition, JFS provided 30 Passover grants supporting 280 people, enabling hosts to share a seder while inviting at least one additional household into their homes. Twenty people were supported to attend the community seder of their choice, and JFS is also partnering with BI for the One Heart Seder, which welcomed 70 participants.
Beyond this, 330 Passover hampers were delivered to JFS clients, extending care well beyond the seder night itself. These efforts reflect our shared commitment to ensuring no one is left behind during moments meant for connection.
Standing Strong Against Antisemitism
While caring for one another remains central, we are also focused on strengthening Jewish life and safety across our region.
This week, we also finalized allocations of our 2025-2026 Combatting Antisemitism Fund. Since September, seventeen organizations across British Columbia, including on campuses, have received support for visible, frontline efforts to combat antisemitism and strengthen Jewish life.
This most recent funding round made one thing clear: the need is significant. The demand far exceeded available funds, with nineteen organizations requesting more than four times the available dollars.
Many excellent proposals were submitted that could not be funded this cycle, a reflection of limited resources, not limited merit. The determination behind each application is deeply inspiring and speaks to a community that refuses to stand by in the face of rising antisemitism. We remain grateful to the donors and partners who make this vital work possible. Support this work here.
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From Memory to Renewal on Our Calendar
As we move forward from Passover, our calendar calls us to pause again, this time in remembrance.
On Tuesday, April 14, from 7:00 to 8:30 PM, we will gather as a community for Yom HaShoah, marking the 83rd anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising. |
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| This is a moment to bear witness, to listen, and to honour the courage of those who resisted in the face of unimaginable brutality, as well as the millions who were murdered. Survivor testimony and multigenerational voices remind us not only of what was lost, but of the responsibility we carry to remember and to teach. Register here. |
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From this place of memory, on Monday, April 20, at 7:30 PM, we move into another day of collective mourning: Yom HaZikaron, Israel’s Day of Remembrance. Here, grief takes on a different form, as we honour those who have fallen in defence of Israel and victims of terror. It is a reminder that Jewish sovereignty, hard‑won and deeply cherished, has come at a profound human cost. Register here.
If you would like to have your loved one honoured at this year’s ceremony, please contact us at [email protected]. |
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| And then, almost without pause, the calendar shifts again. From mourning, we turn toward resilience and hope as we mark Yom Ha’atzmaut, Israel’s Independence Day, on April 21 at 7:30 PM. This transition reflects the Jewish story itself, holding grief and gratitude side by side, and choosing life, continuity, and celebration even in the shadow of loss. |
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| I hope you will join us for our community Yom Ha’atzmaut celebration. Secure your tickets here. |
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Learning and Leading Together
Looking ahead, we are excited to share the launch of our Federation Webinar Series, Federation Today and Tomorrow, a three‑part leadership webinar series focused on where we are as a Federation and where we are headed. Please register for one or all of them below:
Briefing 1: Federation 101
Panelist: Mijal Ben Dori - Chief Planning Officer
Date & Time: Thursday, April 16, at 5:30 pm PST.
Register here.
Briefing 2: Federation 5-Year Performance & Benchmarking
Panelist: Angus Richardson, Chief Financial Officer
Date & Time: Thursday, April 23, at 5:30 pm PST.
Register here.
Briefing 3: Evolution of Federation BC
Panelist: Mijal Ben Dori, Chief Planning Officer and Caryl Dolinko, Director of Communications and Marketing.
Date & Time: Thursday, April 30, at 5:30 pm PST.
Register here.
As we enter Shabbat, carrying the meanings of liberation, remembrance, resilience, and responsibility, I am deeply grateful to be part of a community that shows up for one another and for our shared future.
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Ezra S. Shanken
CEO, Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver |
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| Join Schara Tzedeck and journalist Adam Zivo for a meaningful talk. RSVP here. |
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| Join us for Sababa Around the Fire, a fun teen hangout with friends. |
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| Strathcona walking tour of Vancouver's first Jewish neighbourhood. Book here. |
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| Run with Team Israel at the Sun Run in Ben Mizrachi z”l’s memory. Sign up here. |
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In the final episode of In Good Faith, The CJN’s eight-episode interfaith podcast miniseries, hosts Avi Finegold and Yafa Sakkejha reflect on the year they spent making this show: what they’ve heard, what surprised them, and how they’ve changed as people.
Listen to the podcast here. |
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| Acclaimed Kiryat Shmona musician Ben Golan takes the stage for our Yom Ha’atzmaut celebration. Ben brings the spirit, resilience, and heart of Israel to our community. The Jewish Independent recently connected with Ben for a special interview, offering a deeper look into his music, journey, and what this performance means to him. Read the article here. |
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