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By the time this Shabbat message lands in your inbox, I should be on the east coast for the Jewish Federations of North America’s General Assembly (GA) in Washington, DC. I have been to many GA’s over my decade in Federation work, but this GA is special because we will deliver a presentation on our JHub Richmond program, recognized as a best practice for leaders in our continental Jewish community. This is a real source of pride and well-deserved recognition for all the hard work of countless individuals and organizations that made JHub a reality.

The power of individuals working together to create positive change in our community was a recurring theme for us this week. Last Sunday, we were thrilled to welcome nearly 500 women to Beth Israel for the 10th anniversary of Choices. This year we welcomed back our very first Choices speaker Alina Spalding. The story of her journey out of the Former Soviet Union was no less impressive or inspiring than the first time I heard it. It is a powerful reminder that our community’s response during times of crisis can enhance the lives of many across the globe. A heartfelt thank you to all who were able to join us, and for the leadership of our Choices co-chairs Lisa Pullan and Melanie Samuels and the committee who made it happen. Click here to view event photos.

On Tuesday evening, the visionary leaders of the Vancouver Israeli Tech Club (VIT), a forum for Israeli and local entrepreneurs, innovators and investors to meet and share their experiences in the technology sector, attracted over 170 participants to their fourth event in under a year. Last night’s launch of the 26th Vancouver Jewish Film Festival, featuring producer Nancy Spielberg and her new film Above and Beyond, is another example of what a few people with great passion can accomplish. Both of these programs are supported by your gifts to Jewish Federation.

The leaders of JHub, Choices, VIT and the Vancouver Jewish Film Festival share two things in common. One, they had the vision and passion to fill a need that they identified in our community; and two, they were able to rally community support. What great examples of the power of community that should inspire us all!

Federation Annual Campaign
The Federation Annual Campaign is your opportunity to play a part in making positive change in our community. Whether you have a passion for Jewish arts and culture, or would like to support greater accessibility of services to our community through JHub, you can make a difference. Make your gift online today.

Community Assets Committee
I am pleased to announce that our board has approved the formation of a new committee on community assets. The purpose of the committee is to develop a new model for optimizing the use of community space and to establish a long-term strategic vision for our community capital assets. This is an exciting development, for as our community grows and the need for space becomes more complex, we need to work together to maximize the opportunities for both existing rental space and capital expansion. Yoel Robens-Paradise and Rozanne Kipnes have agreed to co-chair the committee, and over the next few weeks we will meet with our partner agencies to review the terms of reference and solicit feedback on next steps. Once this is complete, the terms of reference will be posted on our website.

Fighting Anti-Semitism
Several years ago, a new Canadian curriculum was launched by FAST (Fighting Anti-Semitism Together) that has been used effectively with elementary students across Canada. Recognizing the need to also educate high school students, FAST has created a new online human rights and social justice education program with mobile-ready digital resources. Voices into Action, available at no cost to students and educators, examines the issues of prejudice and intolerance through case studies, films, personal accounts and thought-provoking lessons. Parents and students are encouraged to introduce this program to school officials, teachers and peers. To learn more about using the program, contact FAST coordinator Jodi Derkson at jderkson@fastcyv.ca.

Remembrance Day
On November 11 we will celebrate Remembrance Day, a day of national commemoration for the more than 100,000 Canadians who have died in military service. Wear a poppy and attend any of the commemorative ceremonies and events to honour our veterans and those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Lest we forget.

Parshat Vayeira

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 Jenny David from Virginia Peninsula.

Shabbat Shalom,

Ezra S. Shanken
CEO, Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver