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Just one week ago my message came from the north of Israel where I was participating in solidarity meetings with our partners in the Galilee. Returning to Vancouver, there was no rest as we welcomed the Israeli Ambassador Rafael Barak on his first visit. Federation hosted a Major Donors event and co-hosted a second event with CIJA and JNF Pacific for community leaders. Read more about these events here.

Throughout this week we engaged in conversations with partner agency leadership, elected officials, investment analysts and Jewish program developers from Israel and beyond. The breadth of constituents and topics that I have the chance to engage with over our week is one of the most special pieces of this journey for me.

Our meetings also stretched outside of the confines of Vancouver to the growing Burquest community. Sitting with the board of the Burquest Jewish Community Center, I was struck by the commitment of many groups creating new Jewish communities. The latest census data indicates that the Tri-Cities are home to almost 1,000 Jewish children… a very exciting number to see. I look forward to engaging in more conversations with our surrounding communities as we work to grow the light of Jewish life across the Lower Mainland.

Congratulations to our own Karen James who received the Kipnis-Wilson Friedland Award earlier this week at the Lion of Judah Conference in New York City. It was attended by 10 representatives from Vancouver. Named for Lion of Judah co-founders Norma Kipnis-Wilson and Toby Friedland z”l, the award honors the most inspiring women in our communities.

Project Isaiah
As we draw closer to the High Hollidays, I, like many in our community, will be enjoying the sweetness of apples and honey. However, there are also many in our community who will not be able to enjoy these. Project Isaiah is one of the most important ways that the Jewish Food Bank can replenish its food supplies. All donations go directly to the Jewish Food Bank to assist families, seniors and newcomers in the need. You can help ensure that no one goes hungry and that community members in need have access to healthy, nutritious food. Project Isaiah distributes shopping bags throughout the community. For further information, contact food bank coordinator, Debbie Rootman at drootman@jfsa.ca.

Agency appreciation event
On Thursday evening, we hosted an event with our partner agencies to acknowledge the inspirational work that they do for the community and to share our campaign priorities with them. We are so fortunate in our community to have such dedicated professionals and committed volunteer leaders working together to create a vibrant, dynamic Jewish community.

Jewish Seniors Alliance AGM – Serje Haber’s new role
Also, on Thursday evening, the Jewish Seniors Alliance held their 11th Annual AGM. Over the years, the agency has expanded the scope of services they provide as well as their influence in advocating on behalf of seniors. One of the highlights of the AGM was the board’s decision to honour Serje by bestowing upon him the title President Emeritus. Mazel tov to Marilyn Berger who takes over as president of the JSA.

Israel Consul General to address our community at Federation Annual Campaign Opening
The Consul General of Israel, DJ Schneeweiss, is the latest addition to the Federation Annual Campaign Opening program, headlined by Joshua Malina. The recent conflict in Israel, the situation in the Ukraine and other world events affecting Jews provide a critical backdrop for the Consul General’s participation. Let us fill the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts to show our support for our local Jewish community and Jews around the world. There are still great seats available. We look forward to seeing you there.

DATE AND LOCATION
Sunday, September 21, 2014 | 7:30 p.m.
Chan Centre for the Performing Arts | 6265 Crescent Road, UBC
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Parshat Ki Tavo

We continue to showcase the reflections of young professional leaders from around North America.
This week’s Shabbat message was written by NYL Endowment Co-Chair Ben Schneider (2010) from Cincinnati.

Shabbat Shalom,

Ezra S. Shanken
CEO, Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver