Chabbat Candlelighting 5:34 p.m. | Friday, October 31, 2014/7 Cheshvan 5775
 

This message has 616 words that will take about 3 minutes to read.

This week has seen that fall rain that we are used to in this part of the world. Jewish Federation has been teeming with activity as we gathered for our monthly board meeting; enjoyed an inspirational meeting with the Men’s Philanthropy team; prepared for Choices this Sunday; and met with Ilan Klein, deputy director of fundraising, Magen David Adom in Israel, as well as newly installed UBC president, Arvind Gupta.

Our board meetings are filled with thoughtful discussion and important decisions and this one was no exception. Rabbi Acoca from Beth Hamidrash opened the meeting with sage reflections on Parsha Beresheit. We continued with discussions ranging from the success of our Axis Vancouver young adult program to how we are tackling the needs in Ukraine and supporting IsraAids’ efforts to combat ebola.

Federation is committed to more than just our successful annual campaign and lasting legacies to our community through our Jewish Community Foundation. We also provide opportunities for you to practice our tradition of tzedakah in response to crises that impact Jews and non-Jews around the world. We recently launched a Ukraine Relief Fund and thank all who have already made additional gifts to this worthy cause.

This weekend, close to 500 women will gather to celebrate the tenth anniversary of Choices at the newly completed Beth Israel synagogue and hear the inspirational story of Alina Spaulding. Without revealing the plot for those who will be in attendance, Alina’s story centers on the impact a collective community can have on individuals’ lives. These lives often remain anonymous to the community, but the effect of its support can be profound. Thanks to the Choices co-chairs Lisa Pullan and Melanie Samuels and committee members for all of the work put into organizing this year’s event.

At this time of year, many of our community’s agencies host their Annual General Meetings which often mark transitions in leadership within these organizations. We would like to welcome all of the new board members, chairs and executive committee members while recognizing and thanking those who are leaving after years of service. Our community is richer because of each and every one of you.

Building our community one home at a time
18% of Jewish residents in Greater Vancouver live below the poverty line. Tikva Housing Society and Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver are conducting a housing needs assessment, and would like to hear from every Jewish person living in the Greater Vancouver area. We want to know how your housing affects your life, your family’s life, and your connection to the Jewish community. Your feedback will help to create solutions to our community’s growing housing challenges.
Please help by completing the survey.

Federation Annual Campaign
The Federation Annual Campaign is your opportunity to help individuals and families with incomes below the poverty line. Your gift supports partner agencies like Tikva Housing, which works towards accessing opportunities for safe, affordable housing primarily for working-age Jewish low-income adults and families. Make your gift online today.

Parshat Lech Lecha

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 Jason Wuliger from Cleveland.

Shabbat Shalom,

Ezra S. Shanken
CEO, Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver

 
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