Victoria’s Congregation Emanu-El welcomed Rabbi Elisha (Eli) Herb as its new spiritual leader at the beginning of September, marking the next chapter for the historic shul, Canada’s oldest synagogue in continuous use. He takes over from Rabbi Harry Brechner, who…
Linor Attias, deputy director of international emergency operations for United Hatzalah, inspired Raquel Esrock’s bat mitzvah project: Maple Syrup and Mitzvahs. (photo by Robin Esrock) In a critical medical emergency, life and death depend on the help one receives and…
For Jews worldwide, the hope represented by the first candle of Hanukkah was snuffed out by the horrifying mass murder at a communal Hanukkah celebration in Sydney, Australia. At press time, 15 were confirmed dead, ranging from a 10-year-old named…
More than 16 years ago, I was accepted into a master class for writing fiction with a well-known regional author at a university near me in Kentucky. I’d written lots of non-fiction and dabbled in fiction. I thought this would…
Many Jewish Canadians face unique mental health hurdles right now, and many of the professionals they depend on to help them are themselves struggling with related challenges. The trauma that has affected Jews in recent years – from the horrors…
Left to right at the Jewish Seniors Alliance of BC Fall Symposium Nov. 23: Jeff Moss, Joyce Murray, Anthony Kupferschmidt, Dan Levitt and Isobel Mackenzie. (photo by Alex Roque Photography) The Jewish Seniors Alliance of British Columbia’s fall symposium featured…
Azaleah Korn plays the title role in Gateway Theatre’s production of Annie, which runs to Jan. 3. Neko is one of three dogs that plays Sandy. (photo by David Cooper) If you want a warm and fuzzy holiday treat, see…
The thriller Shelter, set in Germany, features Mona, a Lebanese woman, and Naomi, an Israeli Mossad agent sent to protect the informant while she recovers from plastic surgery for her new identity. Mona and Naomi are together for two weeks…
Itamar Erez takes part in International Guitar Night Feb. 1. (photo by Diane Smithers) International Guitar Night returns to Massey Theatre on Feb. 1. This year’s all-Canadian tour features classical and flamenco guitarist Itamar Erez, jazz guitarist and vocalist Jocelyn…
Robert “Lucky” Budd, left, and Roy Henry Vickers have co-authored close to 20 books together, with more to be released in 2026. (photo from “Lucky” Budd) As oral historian Robert “Lucky” Budd tells it, his collaboration with First Nations artist…
As the owner of the 95-year-old Jewish Independent, I know full well that our Jewish community is built on the shoulders of those came before us. It is upon this foundation that we continue to grow, keeping our institutions going,…
In her talk at the White Rock South Surrey Jewish Community Centre on Nov. 23, Elana Wenner articulated what many in the room felt: that understanding our local history is not only a matter of dates and facts, but of…
On Dec. 3, in the second webinar of Kolot Mayim Reform Temple’s 2025/26 Building Bridges Lecture Series, Rabbi Deborah Sacks Mintz guided an interactive examination of the potential to harness the power of music, especially that which provides solace, be…
Shelley Rivkin is the new chair of the Jewish Family Services (JFS) board of directors. Rivkin steps into the role at a pivotal moment, succeeding outgoing board chair Jody Dales, who led the organization through the pandemic and the milestone…
Summer camp experiences, which encompass a range of activities campers get to try, can be costly. (photo from Camp Hatikvah) If you get sticker shock when you see the cost of Jewish summer camp, you’re not alone. Pay full fare…
The list of things that kids learn at summer camp, while having fun and making friends, is almost endless. (photo from Camp Miriam) Serendipity led us to Camp Miriam. In the span of one week in the fall of 2017,…
What strikes me every time the Jewish Independent does a Camp Guide issue is the staying power of our Jewish summer camps. Camp Hatikvah was started in 1937 at Crescent Beach by the National Council of Jewish Women. It was…
בראשית השנה החדשה ימלאו עשרים ואחת שנים להגעתי לונקובר ואין ספק שהזמן רץ כל כך מהר. לו יכולתי להחזיר את שעון הזמן אחורה הייתי עוזב את ישראל שנים קודם לכן. כבר בראשית שנות השמונים (לאחר השחרור מהשירות הצבאי) היה לי…
More than 18 months ago, Charlotte Kates, who is identified as the international coordinator of Samidoun Palestinian Prisoner Solidarity Network, made inflammatory remarks at a rally in Vancouver. She celebrated the 10/7 terror attacks by Hamas against Israel, calling them…
We were intrigued to receive notice of the 2026 PuSh International Performing Arts Festival, which takes place in January and February. The festival has been running for more than two decades and bills itself as “a creative hub for dialogue.” …
The Gaza Strip is currently divided between the Israeli-held zone (green) and Hamas territory (red). (Screenshot from Channel 14) More than 25 months after Hamas’s Oct. 7, 2023, massacre and the consequent multi-front Middle East war, and more than one…
Margaux Wosk is a cast member of The Assembly, currently streaming on CBC Gem. (photo by Erich Saide / The Assembly) “I am so proud of what we accomplished,” Margaux Wosk told the Independent about The Assembly, which is now…
Azaleah Korn, who plays the title role in Gateway Theatre’s production of the musical Annie, takes guidance from director Josh Epstein. (photo from Gateway Theatre) Vancouver Jewish community member Azaleah Korn plays the title character in Gateway Theatre’s production of…
Into the Light – featuring the art of Gillian Richards, left, and Pilar Mehlis – is at the Zack Gallery until Jan. 5. (photo by Olga Livshin) The current show at the Zack Gallery, Into the Light, introduces two artists:…
When Erin Brandt founded the Antisemitism Legal Helpline in January 2024, the employment and human rights lawyer had no idea how much time this volunteer position would consume. “The fact that we’re getting this many calls is a little terrifying,”…
Choices keynote speaker Mandana Dayani, centre, with event co-chairs, left to right, Gail James, Briana James, Lola Pawer and Lisa Boroditsky. (photo by Rhonda Dent) On Nov. 16, Choices once again celebrated the work of Jewish women philanthropists. This year’s…
Presenters at the World Religions Conference, which was held at Star of the Sea Community Hall in White Rock on Nov. 17. Rabbi Arik Labowitz of Or Shalom is second from the right and, to his right, is the writer,…
Hannah Presman Chikiar spoke and moderated at the United Nations headquarters in New York City, on Oct. 10, as part of Girls Speak Out 2025, held in celebration of the International Day of the Girl. (photo from Hannah Presman Chikiar)…
Shenandoah University Prof. Lori Şen spoke about Sephardic music on Nov. 2, as part of Kolot Mayim Reform Temple’s 2025/26 lecture series. (PR photo) Kolot Mayim Reform Temple started its 2025/26 Building Bridges Zoom lecture series – six music-themed talks…
Stephen Falk, president of the Jewish Genealogical Society of British Columbia, spoke at the White Rock South Surrey Jewish Community Centre on Nov. 16, offering guidance on tracing one’s Jewish ancestry. (photo by Chloe Heuchert) The White Rock South Surrey Jewish…
