Shabbat Message | February 28, 2025 | Jewish Federation of British Columbia

A staircase leading to a building is covered with flowers, balloons, and two large photos, one of a baby and one of a family, in orange and yellow hues.

February 28, 2025 | 30 Shevat 5785 | Candle lighting at 5:37 p.m.

This message has about 745 words and will take about 3 minutes to read.

This week, we mourn once more. Shiri z’l, Ariel z’l, Kfir z’l Bibas and Oded Lifshitz z’l were laid to rest, and the bodies of four more hostages—Itzik Elgarat z’l, Tsachi Idan z’l, Shlomo Mantzur z’l, and Ohad Yahalomi z’l—were returned by Hamas. Though we are halfway across the world, this is a loss that reverberates through our community, in Israel, and for all who hold humanity close to their hearts.

Here at home, our community came together in an act of quiet strength and solidarity, placing orange flowers on the steps of Schara Tzedeck. A memorial, led by Rabbi Gottlieb, gave us space to grieve together.

As we enter Shabbat, we hold onto hope for the possible release of more hostages soon.

Even as we confront today’s challenges, we must also look to history to understand the road that led us here.

This week, I had the pleasure of attending the JCC Jewish Book Festival and WRSSJCC Book Club event, which hosted a powerful session with journalist Yardena Schwartz on her book Ghosts of a Holy War: The 1929 Massacre in Palestine that Ignited the Arab-Israeli Conflict. Schwartz's work provides critical context for the challenges we continue to face today and reminds us of the importance of understanding our past as we navigate the present.

As we reflect on the past, we also turn our focus to the future – and to the next generation.

It's always inspiring to see young leaders stepping up in meaningful ways. Mazel Tov to Levi Moskovitz (Rabbi Dan Moskovitz's son), who was recently elected to the BBYO International Executive Board as the Grand Aleph Gizbor of AZA (Treasurer).

As the only Canadian on the board—representing 70,000 teens across 64 countries—his election is a particularly prestigious achievement within the organization. Levi’s leadership is a testament to the bright future of our community, as today’s youth step forward to lead, inspire, and build for generations to come.

I’d also like to take a moment to congratulate community members Corinne Zimmerman and Danny Redden, on receiving the King Charles III Coronation Medal which recognizes individuals significant contributions to Canada or their communities.

Corinne is the past board president of the Vancouver Holocaust Education Centre and this honour recognizes her decades of service as a lawyer at Justice Canada, her commitment to Indigenous reconciliation and her deep contributions to our community.

Danny is the President of Shalom Branch 178, the National President of Royal Canadian Legion TVS, and a Dominion Executive Council (DEC) member. Mazel Tov, Corinne and Danny!

Strengthening Jewish life across the region.

We are committed to building a vibrant Jewish life across our region and ensuring every community has opportunities to come together in celebration, learning, and connection. It’s been wonderful to see so many people gathering to mark the holidays, strengthening their ties to Jewish tradition and to each other.

This past week’s Tu B’shvat celebrations were a testament to this. In Coquitlam, 24 community members came together for Tasty Tu B’Shvat, making dried fruit cakes and sharing meaningful conversations. In Langley, a Tu B’Shvat Paint Night brought participants together to reflect on renewal and growth through art.

Moments like these highlight the power of community, and we are proud to support and nurture these connections.

Looking ahead, we are excited about next month’s Purim celebrations. Our community partners are working together to create meaningful, engaging, and joyous programs across the region. Check out upcoming events on our community calendar, and make sure you follow us on Instagram and Facebook.

And speaking of upcoming events, are you looking to learn with community this weekend?

Schara Tzedeck is hosting Tristin Hopper, an acclaimed National Post journalist and one of Canada’s most outspoken voices on antisemitism. Last year, he captivated us with his fearless perspective on Canadian media bias against Israel. Now, he will share thought-provoking insights and introduce his latest work.

Click here to register.

In the coming days, I will be traveling alongside staff and community lay leaders to Israel for the Jewish Agency’s Board of Governors meeting and to visit our partnership region in the north as part the Coast-to-Coast partnership, which strengthens the relationship between our communities in Canada and Etzbah HaGalil. Our discussions will focus key initiatives and the challenges and opportunities ahead as for the region. It’s an honour to represent our community, and I look forward to sharing insights upon my return.

Shabbat shalom,