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October 2, 2026 | 21 Tishrei 5787 | Candle lighting at 6:31 p.m.
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This message has approximately 962 words and will take about 3 minutes to read.
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| With Sukkot still underway, many families in our community are gathering in the sukkah before the holiday ends. Rachel and the kids have been making the most of every opportunity to enjoy meals outdoors and spend time together.
We have also been following the extraordinary events unfolding in Israel and across the region. At times, the headlines have felt more like scenes from a movie than real life, from an attempted hijacking aboard a Flydubai flight to stories of remarkable courage and quick thinking by ordinary people thrust into extraordinary circumstances. It is impossible not to be inspired by the bravery of the Israelis who have stepped forward in moments of crisis, putting themselves at risk to protect those around them. We hold Captain Smit Machchhar, the pilot injured during the incident, in our thoughts and prayers, and offer the Mi Sheberach, our prayer for healing, for his strength and full recovery.
As we approach the anniversary of October 7, these moments remind us of both the challenges facing Israel and Jewish communities around the world and the bravery and shared responsibility that help keep communities safe.
Those same themes of connection, belonging, and looking out for one another have been especially evident across our work in recent weeks.
Welcoming Newcomers and Sharing Our Story
A few weeks ago, Jewish Federation of BC hosted a meeting of the Vancouver Local Immigration Partnership (VLIP) Council at the JCC. VLIP brings together organizations across Vancouver to strengthen newcomer settlement efforts, share emerging needs, and help create a more welcoming city.
As Council members, our Federation, Jewish Family Services, and the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs help ensure the experiences of Jewish newcomers are included in these conversations. During the meeting, participants learned about more than 160 years of Jewish immigration and community-building in British Columbia.
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| Eli Klasner, Executive Director of the Jewish Museum & Archives of BC, shared how generations of Jewish newcomers established themselves, built institutions, and contributed to civic, economic, and cultural life. Federation also highlighted how our community helps newcomers navigate settlement, build connections, and find belonging, while recognizing the many ways they continue to strengthen Jewish life in BC. |
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| Our participation in VLIP also helps build partnerships across the settlement sector, connecting newcomers with resources and opportunities throughout the region. We'd like to thank Aluma Zweifler, Associate Director, Community Planning & Engagement, for her work with the Newcomers program.
That commitment extends beyond partnerships and programs.
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| We encourage anyone new to Jewish life in British Columbia to join us for our Newcomers Welcome Event on Sunday, October 18, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Whether you arrived recently or a few years ago, this gathering offers an opportunity to connect with fellow newcomers and community organizations, share experiences, and learn from one another. |
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| Participants will enjoy light refreshments, explore a community fair, join roundtable conversations, and have fun with family-friendly activities. The JCC pool will open to participants beginning at 12:30 p.m. Register here.
Connecting Communities Across British Columbia
Creating connection is at the heart of Federation's work, whether supporting newcomers finding their place or strengthening Jewish life in communities across BC.
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| Recently, Federation's Community Connectors came together in Vancouver for an in-person gathering, with ten participants attending and two more joining virtually. Because they serve communities across British Columbia and spend much of the year working remotely, opportunities to connect face-to-face are especially meaningful. |
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| The gathering was filled with energy, warmth, and a shared sense of purpose as colleagues exchanged ideas, strengthened relationships, and reflected on their work's impact in communities across the province.
Federation also welcomed the VARDA Institute to facilitate a community-building workshop led by Tracey Newman and Michal Guttman. Through thoughtful discussion and reflection, participants explored the foundations of strong communities, celebrated the connections already built across BC, and examined how community-building principles can help navigate challenges and create lasting impact.
The experience showed that strong communities are built through relationships. Our Community Connectors' work helps ensure Jewish life remains vibrant and accessible throughout British Columbia, and their gathering reflected the values of connection, belonging, and collaboration they foster every day.
Teaching the Lessons of History
As we look toward the year ahead, we must also ensure that future generations understand the lessons of the past. The Vancouver Holocaust Education Centre continues to build on strong momentum following the implementation of mandated Holocaust education across British Columbia.
Educators throughout the province continue to seek practical classroom resources and professional development opportunities, and the response has been deeply encouraging. VHEC offers school programs to accommodate unique teaching and learning requirements and schedules. Check the school programs here.
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| This fall, VHEC is expanding the reach of Fragments in Focus: A History of the Holocaust, transforming what began as a digital resource into complete classroom text and workbook sets available free of charge in both English and French. Developed in response to teacher feedback, these materials are making Holocaust education more accessible while helping reduce barriers to learning. |
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| At the same time, VHEC continues to deliver professional development opportunities for educators across the province. Through partnerships, including with the Azrieli Foundation, training initiatives are reaching communities in Northern BC and the Yukon, helping ensure that meaningful Holocaust education is accessible regardless of geography.
Together, these efforts are strengthening teacher confidence, expanding access to Holocaust education, and helping students develop a deeper understanding of remembrance, empathy, and the importance of standing up against hate.
Coming Together on October 7
Jewish tradition teaches us the importance of remembering. Through education, commemoration, and shared experience, we ensure that both the triumphs and tragedies of our people are not forgotten.
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| On October 7, our community will gather to commemorate three years since the attacks that forever changed Israel and deeply affected Jewish communities around the world. We will remember those who were murdered, stand with the hostages and their families, honour the resilience of survivors and those rebuilding their lives, and reaffirm our enduring connection to Israel. |
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| We encourage everyone in our community to join us as we stand together in remembrance, solidarity, and hope. Register here.
Before closing, as we celebrate Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah, may we continue to welcome, connect, and strengthen our community for generations to come.
Shabbat Shalom and Chag Sameach,
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Ezra S. Shanken
CEO, Jewish Federation of British Columbia |
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| Join the JMABC and Lilach Maron for an interesting conversation. RSVP here. |
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You are invited to the Jewish Lawyers of BC kickoff event. RSVP here. |
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| Join us for a relaxed women’s afternoon to sip, paint and connect. RSVP here. |
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| BC Elections 2026: Have your say in this provincial election! Learn more here. |
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Check out our calendar for more community events.
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| This Sukkot, my journey to Victoria offered a powerful reminder that communities are not strengthened by their size, but by the relationships that fill them. Beneath a 1,800-square-foot sukkah filled with 180 people, I share in my blog what it means to build Jewish community across British Columbia, one relationship, one connection, and one act of welcome at a time. Read more here. |
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