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L’shana tova tikateyvu – may we all be blessed with a good year!

Rosh Hashanah is a time for joy and new beginnings, to be celebrated with family and friends. It is also a time for reflection and introspection as we think back on the meaning of the past year and the quality of our relationships with others.

As we prepare for the New Year, it is important for all of us to take the time to explore how we can strengthen our relationships with others, with our community and with the world at large.

One of the very important traditions we practice over the ten days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur is the process of teshuva, when we take the time to consider whether we have hurt or offended anyone and, if so, to ask for their forgiveness. We rededicate ourselves to our Jewish values and traditions and commit to tikkun olam - repairing the world.

This was exemplified yesterday, when Jewish Federation hosted a Vancouver Mission for campaign canvassers. It included a stop at the Jewish Food Bank where volunteers were preparing to assist community members who depend on their support, ensuring that all can enjoy the season.

Jewish Federation is all about strengthening relationships and repairing the world. This past year has been a difficult one for Israel, Jews in Europe and many in our local community and your support has been critical in providing help for those in need.

Federation Annual Campaign

Your gift to the Federation Annual Campaign is an opportunity for you to create joy, new beginnings and blessings for others, in the spirit of Rosh Hashanah.

We will formally launch the 2014 campaign at our Federation Annual Campaign Opening event this Sunday. Community participation contributes to the success of this event, so let’s fill the last few seats at the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts. Join us in support of our local Jewish community and Jews around the world, and to kick-start another successful Federation Annual Campaign.

Celebrate Rosh Hashanah on Main Street with PJ Library

Families are invited to enjoy honey tasting, storytelling, shofar blowing and more at “Rosh Hashanah on Main Street” this Sunday, co-sponsored by East Side Jews, the Jewish Community Centre of Greater Vancouver, Temple Sholom and PJ Library.

Sunday September 21, 2014 | 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
David Livingstone School Park | East 21st Ave. and Sophia St.

For more information, please contact Lissa Weinberger at lweinberger@jewishvancouver.com

Parshat Nitzavim

We continue to showcase the reflections of young professional leaders from around North America.
This week’s Shabbat message was written by Tali Strom, Senior Director of National Young Leadership, Jewish Federations of North America.

May you and your families enjoy a sweet, healthy and happy 5775.

Shabbat Shalom,

Diane Switzer Board Chair, Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver	Ezra S. Shanken CEO, Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver