Shabbat Candlelighting 4:47 p.m. | Friday, January 30, 2015/10 Shevat 5775
 

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This week, I spent time at the Jewish Federations of North America Board of Trustees meetings in Florida, where we delved into the major issues facing the Jewish world, specifically Jewish campus life, Jewish education and engagement, and rising anti-Semitism in Europe. We also mourned the two Israeli soldiers, Maj. Yochai Kalangel z’’l and St.-Sgt. Dor Haim Nini z’’l, who lost their lives in our partnership region, as we were reminded that the miracle of the modern State of Israel doesn’t come without considerable cost. What struck me most at these meetings was the collective willingness, even eagerness, to jump in and make a difference. There is a story related to parsha Beshelach this week, in which an individual’s willingness to be the first to act makes possible one of our most important biblical miracles. In the story Moses stands at the edge of the sea waiting for it to part and… nothing… until Nachson takes a literal leap of faith, jumps into the sea - nearly drowning in the process - and sets the miracle in motion that changes all of our lives.

Sometimes we have to be the ones to act, rather than waiting for miracles to unfold before us. Often what is placed before us is the opportunity to jump into the water, to be the first to lead the way, to be the one to release the miracle that will impact the whole community. This week, our Federation worked with many such willing community leaders, from young adults to our board to Jewish Federation leadership from across the continent. As an organization we have the commitment to act, and we will create a ripple of miracles.

We also have the commitment to provide community members with opportunities to act. To that end, Axis welcomed a new cohort of young adults to start the Axis Leadership Lab program this week. Over the next four months they will hone their leadership skills and style, engage with established Jewish community leaders, and work on meaningful community projects. These young people are our next generation of Nachshons, and through Axis Leadership Lab we are building much needed capacity in our community. Participants are embracing the opportunity to be the first in the water, and we will all benefit from the miracles that follow.

Parsha Beshelach also reminds us to appreciate life’s everyday miracles. PJ Library families had that opportunity last Sunday, when together with the Jewish Community Centre and the Jewish National Fund we hosted a lively Tu B’Shevat celebration. Children and their parents sang songs, made friends, and planted parsley to honour the holiday. Why parsley? Because there is just enough time to grow and harvest it for their Passover Seder plates. Nurturing their tiny seeds and seeing them sprout is an everyday miracle that builds a beautiful connection from holiday to holiday for these children.

We are keenly aware, however, that not all families find it easy for their children to engage in Jewish programs. We are committed to building an inclusive community, and to supporting efforts that make it possible for all children to take part in Jewish community life. That’s why our Federation Planning Council is exploring ways to maximize participation. To better understand where the opportunities are for broader inclusion, a confidential survey has been developed. Parents of children who face barriers to participation in community life are invited to complete the survey. Or, if you know a family who you think should complete the survey, please forward the link to them. Just as the Sea of Reeds once barred our way before the miracle of its parting, so it is incumbent on us to remove those barriers that inhibit participation in our community.

Perhaps the greatest miracle of all is that we are here, living in a thriving Jewish community. This week we marked the 70th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz. Throughout the week we have paid special attention to the stories of survivors, whether on the news, social media, or at commemorative events. This video of Yad Vashem’s Avner Shalev addressing the UN highlights what he terms the “universal implications” of the Holocaust, and why we must remember it every day. A PJ Library parent remarked this week that her child would be among the last generation to meet survivors and hear their stories firsthand. As our survivors age, hearing their stories and honouring their experiences becomes an increasingly holy privilege. Our partner, the Vancouver Holocaust Education Centre, hosted a moving event and screened the film, Numbered, to mark the anniversary. If you are looking for an opportunity to act in a way that can change lives, perhaps even spark a miracle, taking part in community events like this is a great way to begin.

Shabbat Shalom,

Ezra S. Shanken
CEO, Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver

 
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