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Tragedy in Boston
As I write this message there is a massive manhunt to capture one of the suspects in Monday’s terrible and tragic bombings at the Boston Marathon. The other suspect, his brother, was killed last night during a violent confrontation with police. We don’t know what motivated them to unleash Monday’s violence and mayhem. What is known is that the toll of lives lost and traumatized is high, and we’ve all experienced another example of the harsh reality of terror aimed at innocent lives.

For the Jewish community, the juxtaposition of the bombing with community commemorations of Yom HaZikaron, Israel’s Remembrance Day, and preparations for celebrations of Yom Ha’atzmaut, Israel’s Independence Day, only adds to the disbelief and shock as the news filters into our consciousness. Barry Shrage, CEO of Boston’s Combined Jewish Philanthropies, in writing to his community, focused on resilience as the key to how people are ultimately able to respond to traumatic events. He quoted Rabbi Harold Kushner from Kushner’s new commentary on the Book of Job:

The events of my personal and professional life have moved me over the years to find God not in the perfection of the world, the intricacies of rain and sun, growth and healing, the change of seasons and the beauty of the leaves in autumn.

I find God in the miracle of human resilience in the face of the world's imperfections, even the world's cruelty. How are people able to survive tragedy (and that is what you do with tragedy: you don't understand or explain it, you survive it)? What gave survivors of the Holocaust the courage to remarry and create new families after what the Nazis and their collaborators did to their first families? What enabled our fourteen-year-old son, so stricken with congestive heart failure that he had to sleep standing up, to look forward to every day he had to share with his friends, his family, and his dog? What motivates doctors to search for cures, and neighbors to hug us and dry our tears when we are stricken, if it is not God at work within them and within us?

Yom Ha’atzmaut Celebrations Mark Israel’s 65th
Our community gathered 1,500 strong on Monday evening at the Centre for Performing Arts in Vancouver, to close out our Yom HaZikaron commemorations, and celebrate Yom Ha’atzmaut. Local youth shared their reflections on the commonalities and differences between Israel and Canada, and performed beautifully choreographed Israeli dance. Veteran Israeli musician, Nurit Galron, provided an outstanding performance. There was a joyous, infectious spirit in the house. I want to express again our deep thanks to the volunteers and staff who spent countless hours organizing this great community celebration, and especially to Stephen and Allen Gaerber, who have wrapped up their many years of leadership of this annual event in grand style. You can view photos from the event on our Facebook page.

King David High School continued its tradition of inviting the 250 students from the upper grades of Richmond Jewish Day School and Vancouver Talmud Torah to join KDHS to celebrate Yom Ha’atzmaut. Students entered the building through an exhibition of Israeli achievements in various fields such as technology, medicine, communications, fashion and more, prepared by students. With food, music and dance performances, it all added up to great fun and ruach (spirit).

As KDHS head of school, Russ Klein, reflected, “For me it really puts into perspective what education and learning are about – for those students singing and performing and dancing and laughing – these are the memories that last a lifetime. I know these are the days that give us our soul, and without these days we would be just a school.”

Get Involved in the Provincial Election
With the writ for the BC Provincial election dropped on Tuesday, candidates are off and running. Many were in attendance Monday night at our Yom Ha’aztmaut celebration. Therefore, this is a good time to remind everyone of the importance of participating in the political process through which our leaders are chosen. It is oft said that we get the government we deserve. The best way to strengthen the impact that government has on our lives is to get involved and work for candidates we believe in.

The Canadian Jewish Public Affairs Committee organizes Jewish communities across Canada to participate in the political process, and is now focusing on building participation in the seven ridings in BC where our Jewish community lives. By channeling your involvement through CJPAC you help our community ensure that we have relationships with those who end up in government.

There are three important ways you can get involved in the upcoming election:

• Volunteer for a riding/party of your choice;
• Make a contribution to a candidate/party of your choice;
• Get involved in the upcoming programs and events CJPAC will be hosting during the election.

For more information on any of the above opportunities, please visit CJPAC’s election website: itsup2you.ca/bc. Please visit their website and fill out the online form to volunteer on an election campaign. Even one hour can help ensure our community’s voice is heard. If you have not yet donated to a campaign and would like help doing so, please feel free to contact CJPAC’s new BC Region Director, Corey Lerman at 604.715.6335 or clerman@cjpac.ca.

Parashat Acharei Mot/Kedoshim
Each week the Jewish Federations of North America shares a commentary on the weekly Torah reading provided by a member of their Women’s Philanthropy leadership. This week’s commentary was provided by our own Karen James, a member of the JFNA Women’s Philanthropy Board, and an officer of the Vancouver Jewish Federation. To read Karen’s thoughtful commentary, click here.

Shabbat shalom!