July 25, 2025

A group of eight adults standing together outdoors in front of a white building, with a clear blue sky above.

July 25, 2025 | 29 Tammuz 5785 | Candle lighting at 8:43 p.m.

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We are proud to share that together, we raised an incredible $13.17 million for community through the 2024 Federation Annual Campaign!

In a year marked by rising antisemitism and growing needs, our community stepped up with tzedakah and commitment to collective impact. In fact, 1,379 donors either increased their gifts or gave for the very first time—a powerful testament to the trust and shared purpose that fuels our work. Read the full announcement here.

Looking Ahead: The 2025 Federation Annual Campaign Opening

After an incredible 2024 Annual Campaign, we’re carrying that energy forward into the year ahead, ready to build on our momentum and celebrate the Power of Together.

If you haven't yet had the time to purchase your tickets, now is the time! We’re kicking off the 2025 Federation Annual Campaign on Thursday, September 11, with the bold and brilliant actor and comedian, Elon Gold, known for his role on Curb Your Enthusiasm. Join us for an evening of hilarious stand-up and meaningful moments with community.

Early bird tickets are just $24 until August 15, then $36 after that. I hope to see you there. Secure your spot now.

Celebrating 10 Years of ShinShinim in Vancouver

The Shinshinim program has been creating meaningful connections between Israel and our local youth for 10 years, and to mark this milestone, I am handing this week's message over to Lissa Weinberger, our ShinShinim coordinator, who’s been closely supporting this year’s cohort and helping bring the program to life in our community.

In the fall of 2015, something special began in Vancouver — we welcomed our very first cohort of ShinShinim.

For those who may not be familiar, the ShinShin program brings bright, passionate Israeli teens who choose to delay their army service for a year to volunteer in Jewish communities around the world.

These young emissaries don’t just bring a piece of Israel to us—they also take back with them a deep appreciation for the richness and diversity of Jewish life in the Diaspora. It’s a beautiful expression of Klal Yisrael—the idea that no matter where we live, we are one Jewish people, deeply connected.

Since October 7th, this message has taken on even greater urgency. As we navigate complex emotions and seek meaningful ways to support one another, the presence of ShinShinim in our community helps bridge the distance between Vancouver and Israel. They help our children—and all of us—understand Israel is not just a place on the map, but a cornerstone of our shared Jewish identity.

Over the past decade, our ShinShinim have become an integral part of our community, volunteering in schools, synagogues, camps, and other organizations.

This year, as we celebrate the 10th anniversary of the program, we’re thrilled to welcome our 8th cohort—and we’re expanding! Starting in September, our ShinShinim will be volunteering at VTT, RJDS, KDHS, Beth Israel, Beth Tikvah, Har-El, Schara Tzedeck, Temple Sholom, the JCC, Tikvah Housing, and with regional communities across the province.

Please join us in welcoming: Gur Arbel Komissar, Noa Brill, Nehorai Ifrach, and Noa Racah. Gur and Nehorai come from our partnership region in Israel, while Noa B. and Noa R. are from central Israel.

Some of you may even recognize Gur—he’s already been to Vancouver through our partnership between King David High School and Har Vagai High School. They've made a fun video just for you!

As we prepare for their arrival at the end of August, we invite you to be part of their journey. There are so many ways to get involved:

🍽️ Invite them for Shabbat dinner—share your traditions and stories.
🚲 Take them on a bike ride along the seawall or show them your favourite local spots.
☕ Introduce them to Vancouver’s best coffee shops—they’ll love it!

If you’re interested in having them over, reach out to me at [email protected]. Let’s make this year unforgettable—for them, and for us.

And don’t miss our Zoom meet-and-greet on August 13—a chance to get to know these incredible young people before they arrive. Click here to register.

Don’t let this opportunity pass you by. Let’s show our ShinShinim what makes Vancouver’s Jewish community so special.

As we prepare to welcome our new ShinShinim, we’re also saying l’hitraot to Or and Lihi, who are wrapping up their year of service at Camp Hatikvah and Camp Miriam. Jewish summer camp plays a vital role in helping children build strong Jewish identities, foster lifelong friendships, and develop a deep connection to their community.

Before they head home, take a moment to hear directly from Or and Lihi. Their videos offer a heartfelt glimpse into the joy, learning, and connection that make Jewish camp so meaningful.

Watch Or's video from Camp Miriam on Facebook or on Instagram.

Watch Lihi's video from Camp Hatikvah on Facebook or on Instagram.

Ambassador Scanlon's Visit To Northern Israel
And speaking of our bond with Israel, Rachel Sachs, Executive Director of our Israel office, recently joined Jewish Federations of Canada–UIA in accompanying Canada’s new Ambassador to Israel, Leslie Scanlon, on a meaningful visit to the Etzbah HaGalil region.

They met with students at the new Ramat Korzim school, spent time with residents of Metulla and Kiryat Shmona, where stories of evacuation and return offered a moving testament to the region’s resilience, and visited Tel Hai College, where Canadian support is helping transform the institution into a regional growth engine.

This visit was a great reminder of the responsibility we share, the support we offer one another, and the values that keep us connected as one people.

Shabbat shalom,