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I love welcoming Shabbat after another productive week. This week started with the Jewish Federation of North America’s General Assembly (GA) in Washington DC. Our board chair Diane Switzer, her husband Phil and my wife Rachel joined me to hear from world leaders, including US Vice-President Joseph Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. We also had the privilege of showcasing our JHub Richmond initiative to leaders from other North American communities. The response was very positive and we should all be proud of what we have accomplished thanks to the hard work of those involved in bringing this project to fruition.

The GA is filled with both formal and informal opportunities to hear first-hand accounts from individuals who have witnessed our Federations at work. Diane Switzer and I attended a private meeting with a representative of the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committees (JDC) currently serving in Ukraine. Her remarks about the impact of the dramatic devaluation of the currency was a stark reminder of why we are out there every day, working with our community. If you are as concerned as we are about what is happening in Ukraine, please make a gift to our Ukraine Emergency Fund.

The General Assembly will be held in Washington, DC for the next few years and will continue to provide inspiration to all those in attendance. I encourage and challenge you to join us there next year.

Leaving DC, I noted the news coverage of House of Commons Sergeant-at-Arms, Kevin Vickers, who was honored by Prime Minister Netanyahu and the Knesset Speaker for his heroic actions in Ottawa. Mr. Vickers visited Israel with a Center for Israel and Jewish Affairs delegation to attend a security conference. I couldn’t help but turn to a stranger next to me and boast that it was our Federation system that had arranged his trip to Israel. We send a hearty mazel tov to Kevin and recognize all of those who played a part in arranging for him to travel to Israel for this well-deserved honour.

The theme of service to the community continued on my return to Vancouver, as we had the pleasure of hosting Rabbi Yael Karrie, a rabbinical student who has spent her time working with several kibbutzim located near the border with Gaza. Her account of the emergence and broadening access to different streams of Judaism in Israel, and the work of the clergy, was truly inspirational.

We were further inspired and filled with pride to be part of an event today to honour community leaders Leslie and Gordon Diamond who were named Outstanding Philanthropists by the Association of Fundraising Professionals of Canada (AFP). We send a hearty mazel tov to Leslie and Gordon.

Making a Difference in Our Community
Last Sunday evening, the Vancouver Holocaust Education Centre, in partnership with Congregation Beth Israel and Jewish Federation, presented their annual Kristallnacht Program. This is one of the most solemn and moving commemorative programs in our community and everyone who attended was deeply touched by Professor Sara Horowitz’s presentation on Mothers and Daughters in the Holocaust. Thank you to the dedicated volunteers who are committed to ensuring that we never forget our past.

Another important community event this week was the Women in Politics event organized by the Canadian Jewish Political Affairs Committee (CJPAC), in partnership with Congregation Schara Tzedeck. Those in attendance had the opportunity to speak with three elected officials (MPs Hedy Fry and Wai Young and MLA Selina Robinson) about their experience of getting elected and serving their communities, as well as to discuss specific barriers faced by women in politics. They also had a chance to hear from three women who have served as political staffers (Eleanor Milar, Pamela Martin and Maya Russell). Evenings like this create opportunities for our community to connect with elected officials and engage in the political process.

Federation Annual Campaign
The Federation Annual Campaign may take place once a year, but the difference you make can be felt year round. Your gift provides the financial resources to support the programs and services our community relies on. And not only does your gift enable us to maintain these programs, but it enables us to address the changing needs of our community by expanding, adapting and introducing new programs. We are almost three quarters of the way towards achieving our campaign goal. Make your gift online today.

Parshat Chayei Sarah

This Shabbat, we read Chayei Sarah, the Torah portion that speaks about Sarah’s passing and Abraham’s purchase of the Cave of Machpelah for her final resting place. Traditionally, this Shabbat is a time when the Chevra Kadisha is honoured for the sacred work its volunteers do to care for those who have passed. I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of our Chevra Kadisha. We are truly blessed to have these volunteers as part of our community.

We continue to share reflections on the week’s parsha by young professionals from across North America. This week's Shabbat Message was written by Jewish Federations of North America National Young Leadership Cabinet member and friend, Valerie Gerstein from New York.

Shabbat Shalom,

Ezra S. Shanken
CEO, Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver