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Out here on the westernmost edge of the country, we can sometimes feel like we’re a bit removed from the perceived power centres out east. When it comes to the national Jewish scene, that’s not the case even with the Jewish communities population concentrated in Toronto and Montreal, our Vancouver community has a substantial role and speaks with a strong voice. That much was abundantly clear a few weeks ago when I attended the board meetings of our national body, Jewish Federations of Canada-UIA (JFC-UIA), together with our board chair, Stephen Gaerber, our immediate past board chair, Diane Switzer, and past president Jonathan Berkowitz.

The issues on which our voice is being heard are significant. This was our first JFC-UIA board meeting since the federal election and we were briefed by Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs on their efforts to engage the new government. Being able to gather as leaders from across Canada and talk about the opportunities and challenges around educating a new government on the issues that are important to us is crucial for our community both locally and nationally.

Coming together in this way also provides an opportunity for us to learn from one another. This is true whether we are working with Canada-Israel Experience to add to the more than 2,000 local young Jews we’ve already helped have transformative experiences on Taglit-Birthright Israel, or when we share ideas about how best to optimize our real estate portfolio in Israel to generate funds for critical projects there. As the Canadian communities share their knowledge and experiences, we are at the table in a stronger way than ever before.

But don't think for a second that we are only about advocating nationally. Just this week there was a new and interesting development right outside my window. For those who have been reading the papers, the Vancouver city council approved a plan to redevelop the bus depot across from our Jewish Community Centre. What you may not have read is that our partner Tikva Housing and I had the privilege of addressing the council right before the vote. We were there to renew our communities call to have more affordable housing near key Jewish institutions, ensuring that those who want to engage in Jewish practice are not driven by what is in their wallet, but rather what is in their soul.

It’s a huge privilege to assist our community in these ways. We get to connect with people around our city, region and around the country about how we see our community and the world. We get to discuss the issues affecting all of us. This slow yet steady growth in our community’s stature is because of your investment in our organization. More people are recognizing that our Jewish Federation has a lot to give, not just to this community, but to this entire country.

Being part of a Jewish community - whether at the local or national level - reminds us that we are part of something bigger than ourselves. When we ask you to give or to volunteer, we are inviting you to be a part of something bigger than yourself. Whether as individuals or as an organization, the more we give of ourselves, the more our voice stands out.

Ezra S. Shanken
CEO, Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver

P.S. To ensure you receive a tax receipt for 2015, please make your campaign gift or pay your pledge by December 22nd.