Shabbat Candlelighting 4:01 p.m. | Friday, December 26, 2014/4 Tevet 5775
 

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On Tuesday evening, we concluded our annual commemoration of the miracle of Hanukkah, the defeat of the darkness by the light of the candles, when we recited the words, “A great miracle happened there.” There are many greetings that we can add to this message beyond Shabbat Shalom. We can say Happy Holidays or Happy Early New Year, or we can say enjoy this time of year when we get to take a break and spend time with family and friends.

This is also a time when we are inundated with phone calls from many worthy causes, from hospitals to homeless shelters, from organizations saving one life to those claiming to be saving the whole world. All these calls help us reflect upon the miracles that are happening in our community every day. The miracles are made possible through the work of our partner agencies and our colleagues in Canada and in Israel. Through their work and our support, we see the tangible results and our ability to make a positive impact. We are privileged to be able to respond and contribute to those miracles.

Give Now to Ensure Your 2014 Tax Receipt
The 2014 Federation Annual Campaign is winding down…and we are closing in on our goal of $8 million. This will be a historic milestone, and we are very optimistic that we are going to get there. However, every gift counts if we are to achieve this goal, so if you have not yet made your gift to the campaign, please do it now.

In order to receive a 2014 tax receipt, we must have received your pledge and PAYMENT by December 31. You can call the office (604.257.5100), drop your cheque in the mail, or go online at jewishvancouver.com to make your payment.

Axis Leadership Applications Now Open
Applications are now open for Axis Leadership Lab, Jewish Federation’s immersive leadership development program for young professionals ages 24–35. Over eight sessions, participants will enjoy personal and professional growth while contributing to the development of a vibrant, Jewish community in Metro Vancouver. The experience empowers participants to make a difference in our community today, and to ensure its vibrant future as passionate and innovative community leaders of tomorrow. For more information, contact Dana at dtroster@jewishvancouver.com. Applications close on January 7, 2015.

PJ Library Expands Age Range
PJ Library, a program that offers free, high-quality, age-appropriate Jewish children’s books and music to families on a monthly basis is growing. Not only will we be increasing the number of subscribers in the 0 – 5 year old range, we will also be extending the age range for children five years to eight years old. The program started five years ago in Metro Vancouver. It has been so successful that many families were disappointed when their children turned five and they stopped receiving the books. With support from some very generous donors along with funds raised through the Federation Annual Campaign, we have been able to expand the program. This expansion will almost double the number of families that will receive PJ Library books. Families with children who have "aged-out" of the program, but have not yet turned nine, are also welcome to sign up in order to start receiving PJ books again.

Thank you so much for your support, every gift touches our community in many ways, and keeps us strong.

Parsha Vayigash

This week we read Parsha Vayigash, the completion of the story of Joseph’s transformation from a slave to viceroy, becoming as powerful as Pharaoh. Despite his rise to power, he remains attentive to those around him. He hears the cries of his brothers, and forgives them for their treatment of him. He has them bring his father, Jacob, to Egypt, to unite the family under his protection.

Joseph recognizes that, even with his great privilege, he needs to respond to those who are suffering. I hope that, during this season of giving, you will answer a few more phone calls, commit a little more time, and give a little more money to those who need it the most. Through those actions, you will ensure that great miracles continue to happen, not only in the Hanukkah story, but here as well.

Shabbat Shalom,

Ezra S. Shanken
CEO, Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver

 
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