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September 12, 2025 | 19 Elul 5785 | Candle lighting at 7:13 p.m.
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This message has approximately 843 words and will take about 3 minutes to read.
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| There was something truly special about last night. The launch of the 2025 Federation Annual Campaign brought over 700 community members who filled the room, not just to laugh with Elon Gold, but to reconnect, recharge, and reaffirm our shared purpose. |
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The Annual Campaign fuels the vital work of our partner agencies who are on the front lines, supporting thousands of community members every day. Thank you to everyone who joined us. It was a celebration of who we are and what we can accomplish together.
This year’s campaign is rooted in a powerful truth: The Power of Together starts with you. It's personal. Your tzedakah is driven by memory, values, and connection—but when we give together, we build a stronger, safer, and more vibrant Jewish future, l’dor v’dor, from generation to generation. Jewish Federation brings partners together to strengthen, coordinate, and plan as one. Whether through a program, an event, or support during a difficult time, every one of us has felt the reach of collective giving. Now, we’re being called to do more. Make your gift here.
Looking Ahead: Join Us at the AGM
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| Next week, we continue this momentum at our Annual General Meeting on Thursday, September 18th. The evening begins at 7:00 p.m. with an award ceremony and social gathering recognizing community leaders and non-Jewish allies, followed by the formal business portion at 8:15 p.m. Join us to reflect on our achievements of the past year, and learn about plans for the future. |
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Please register in advance to join us for this meaningful event.
Honouring Our Community Leaders
We are proud to recognize this year’s award recipients at our AGM, whose leadership and dedication continue to shape our community:
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Shay (Shy) Keil, past chair, of our Federation Annual Campaign for two record-breaking years, will receive the Harry Woogman Award. Shay’s contributions span nearly a decade of service on the Campaign Cabinet, five years on the Federation board, and deep involvement in Jewish education and strategic planning.
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Candace Kwinter, a pillar of Federation leadership for over a decade, will be honoured with the Bob Coleman Award. Her impact reaches across national and international Jewish organizations, ensuring our resources make the greatest possible difference.
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Pam Wolfman, a driving force in Women’s Philanthropy and community engagement, will receive the Elaine Charkow Leadership Award. Pam’s leadership has touched nearly every corner of our Federation—from campaign canvassing to cultural programming.
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| Each year, we have the privilege of presenting the Young Adult Leadership Award to outstanding young adults nominated by our partner agencies. With so many engaged community members, choosing just two is never easy. We are proud to introduce this year’s recipients: |
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Jeremy Berger, vice chair of Tikva Housing Society, is being recognized for his strategic leadership in affordable housing. He joined the board in 2019 and has played a key role in Tikva's growth, serving as the Chair of the Acquisitions Committee.
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| Jessica Ketchum Tsimerman, board member at Schara Tzedeck and co-chair of Shabbat Club Vancouver, is being celebrated for her creative leadership in Jewish engagement, including launching the Young Professionals Dinner Series and leading the “Ima and Me” initiative. |
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Celebrating Our Allies
This year, we are especially proud to spotlight nearly 20 extraordinary allies, individuals and organizations outside the Jewish community who have stood with us in the face of rising antisemitism. Their courage and solidarity remind us that allyship is not just appreciated, it’s essential. Nominated through an open call to the community, the response was deeply inspiring, reflecting the breadth of solidarity we are fortunate to have. Among those being recognized are The Honourable Russel Brown, Pieter Dorsman, John and Rick Folka, Michael Gardiner, Pat Johnson, Mary Margaret MacKinnon, Archbishop Miller, Laura Mossey, and Kathleen Tennant
Their support in challenging times speaks volumes about the power of allyship and the strength we find in standing together.
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| As we look ahead, we invite you to be part of this journey, whether by attending the AGM, making your campaign gift, or simply showing up for one another. Together, we go further. Together, we build something greater.
Strengthening Our Extended Family in Israel's North
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| Before we head into Shabbat, I want to share that Sarah Mali, director general of Jewish Federations of Canada–UIA, met with us in Vancouver to share updates on Project Regeneration—a $20 million pan-Canadian initiative to rebuild and revitalize our partnership region in the Galilee Panhandle (Etzbah Hagalil). |
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| This region, long connected to us through years of partnership, was deeply impacted by Hezbollah attacks following October 7. With residents displaced and widespread damage to homes, schools, and businesses, the needs are both urgent and long-term.
Project Regeneration is a strategic investment in education, infrastructure, and community resilience. With matching funds from government and philanthropic partners, it will support institutions like Tel-Hai College, Kiryat Shmona Community Centres, HaBaita Regional Excellence Centres and Kedma.
This initiative reflects the collective strength of Jewish Federations across Canada, working in unity to uplift the region and ensure its future. It’s a powerful expression of Canadian Jewry’s care and commitment to our extended family in Israel’s north.
Shabbat Shalom, and we look forward to seeing you on September 18th, |
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Ezra S. Shanken
CEO, Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver |
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| Join your community as we mark two years since October 7th. RSVP here. |
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| Bring friends & colleagues from outside the community. Buy tickets here. |
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