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October 16, 2026 | 5 Cheshvan 5787 | Candle lighting at 6:02 p.m.
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This message has approximately 923 words and will take about 3 minutes to read.
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| One of the privileges of living in a vibrant Jewish community is discovering the many stories, traditions, and experiences that make up our shared heritage.
This November, our community has an opportunity to deepen that understanding through a historic milestone: Vancouver's first-ever community-wide Sigd celebration. This event began with a vision from Ronit Reda Yona, who saw an opportunity to raise awareness of Ethiopian Jewish heritage in our community and create more opportunities for Vancouver and BC's Beta Israel community to share their story. Thanks to her initiative and dedication, what began as an idea has evolved into what I hope will become a lasting community tradition.
By learning about the traditions, history, and experiences of Ethiopian Jews, we strengthen our sense of belonging and our connection to the broader story of Jewish peoplehood.
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| Our Sigd theme, "Different Journeys. One Home," captures that idea beautifully. The Jewish people have arrived at this moment through many journeys, across many lands, speaking many languages, and carrying many traditions. Yet we remain one people, united by shared values, shared responsibility, and a shared future. |
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| Sigd reminds us that the diversity of the Jewish experience is one of our greatest strengths. When we take the time to learn from one another and celebrate each other's stories, we build a stronger, more connected community for everyone.
What Is Sigd?
For many members of our community, Sigd may be unfamiliar.
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| For many members of our community, Sigd may be unfamiliar. Celebrated by Ethiopian Jews for centuries, Sigd is a holiday of reflection, spiritual renewal, and connection to Jerusalem. Observed 50 days after Yom Kippur, it is a time for gathering, learning, prayer, and recommitment to Jewish life and Jewish peoplehood. |
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| At its heart, Sigd is a celebration of faith, resilience, community, and hope.
As Jewish people, we continue to face challenges, and Sigd reminds us of the power of perseverance, the importance of unity, and the strength that comes from staying connected to our traditions while embracing our future.
A Historic First for Vancouver
That is why I am so excited that Federation is bringing this celebration to Vancouver for the first time.
On Sunday, November 8, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., we will gather for a special community celebration for all ages. Together, we'll experience the richness of Ethiopian Jewish heritage through a cultural exhibition, a children's program led by our Shinshinim, music and dancing, and a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony, a cherished ritual of hospitality, conversation, and connection.
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| We are honoured to welcome Shlomo Molla, former Deputy Speaker of the Knesset and a trailblazing Israeli leader whose journey from Ethiopia to national public service reflects the resilience and remarkable story of Ethiopian Jewry. His insights will help us better understand the history, achievements, and contributions of Ethiopia's Jewish community. |
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| Whether you come to learn, celebrate, connect, or simply experience something new, I hope you will join us and help make history as we celebrate Sigd together for the very first time in our city. Admission is free and all are welcome.
Learning Beyond the Celebration
While the event itself is an important milestone, our goal is for the learning to continue long after November 8.
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To support that goal, Federation has created a new Ethiopian Jewish Heritage Toolkit for individuals, families, educators, schools, and community organizations interested in exploring the history, traditions, achievements, and experiences of Ethiopian Jews.
I encourage you to explore the toolkit, share it, and engage with this remarkable chapter of Jewish history. Learn more here. |
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A Community Effort
Events like this do not happen on their own. I want to offer a special thank you to the Sigd planning committee, comprised of volunteers, community partners, and Federation staff who have worked tirelessly to bring this celebration to life and, I hope, establish an ongoing tradition.
A special thank you to Federation's own Elisheva Darar Malede, who took a leadership role in getting the program off the ground, as well as curated and built the toolkit.
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Building for the Future
One of the most exciting signs of a thriving community is seeing Jewish life take root in new places. That's why I'm delighted to share that Burquest Jewish Community Centre in Coquitlam will soon be home to a new Early Childhood Education program operated by the Jewish Community Centre of Greater Vancouver. |
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| For families in the Tri-Cities, this means more opportunities to connect, learn, and celebrate Jewish life close to home. As Jewish life continues to grow throughout our region, initiatives like this help create new opportunities for families to connect and belong close to home. Learn more here.
This program is supported by the Al Roadburg Foundation, the Ronald S. Roadburg Foundation, the Diamond Foundation and Jewish Federation. As our community grows throughout the region, investments like this help ensure that Jewish families can access meaningful Jewish experiences wherever they live.
Support Community Security and Win Big
Another way you can help strengthen our community is through the Choices 50/50 Raffle.
Proceeds will help enhance security across our community, supporting measures that keep our schools, synagogues, and community spaces safe. Your participation helps protect the places where we gather, learn, worship, celebrate, and build Jewish life together.
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| Whether or not you attend Choices, you can still buy raffle tickets. One lucky winner will receive 50% of the jackpot, while the remaining proceeds will support community security initiatives that benefit us all.
Purchase raffle tickets here.
Thank you for helping ensure that our community remains strong, secure, and welcoming for generations to come.
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Ezra S. Shanken
CEO, Jewish Federation of British Columbia |
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| KDHS's Open House is Tuesday, November 3, at 7:00 p.m. RSVP here. |
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| JSABC's AGM is next week. Secure your tickets here. |
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| Join VHEC and Wendy Oberlander for a special screening. RSVP here. |
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| Join us for an informative and interactive Lunch & Learn. RSVP here. |
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Check out our calendar for more community events.
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Watch Part One of Standing Up for the Jewish Community: Three Years of Legal Action, a webinar series highlighting how CIJA's Legal Task Force (LTF) is fighting antisemitism through the law.
Learn how the LTF has evolved and supported the Jewish community over the past three years, and hear directly from lawyers leading significant cases involving K–12 schools and universities. Watch it here. |
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