After eight years, JQT (Jewish Queer Trans) Vancouver is winding down. “If I were to narrow down the essence of JQT Vancouver’s essence for me, it would be: the sharing of information and the production of events that I wanted…
“Across Canada, our CHW community shares a common purpose, and that is improving lives,” said Tova Train, CHW (Canadian Hadassah-WIZO) national president, at CHW Vancouver Centre’s Opening Luncheon & Fashion Show Oct. 18. “In Israel and Canada, CHW supports vital…
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Eastside Culture Crawl Visual Arts, Design & Craft Festival. More than 525 artists from Vancouver’s Eastside Arts District will open their studios to more than 40,000 visitors from Nov. 19 to 22.…
“There’s something extraordinary about seeing the impossible happen right in front of your eyes. Even after nearly 50 years, I still love that feeling of wonder – and I get just as much pleasure from creating that feeling for someone…
“My parents left the Soviet Union so that I could live openly as a Jew, something they were never fully able to do. When I think about what they gave up so I could have that freedom, backing down simply…
The panto Yankl and the Beanstalk had its world premiere at the Pleasance Theatre in London, England, in 2025. This year’s Chutzpah! Festival shows will be its premiere not just in North America, but outside London. If the name sounds…
“My Jewish identity has gotten stronger in the past few years, as I believe it has for many other Jews my age. I’m incredibly proud of where I come from,” actor and playwright Ari’el Stachel told the Independent. “And, even…
“He was a brilliant man who lived a fascinating life, survived major world events, and left some mystery behind. He was also very, very funny,” said award-winning Toronto playwright and storyteller Ronit Rubinstein about her late father. “I so hope…
On Nov. 10 and 11, the Chutzpah! Festival presents the world premiere of Exile by Calgary choreographer and dance artist Meghann Michalsky. Developed in partnership with Project InTandem and the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, Exile is an ensemble…
Educators have until the end of November to apply for the Improv Centre’s 2027 East Vancouver Schools Improv Project. The 10-week program has artist-educators from the Improv Centre (TIC) giving 90-minute after-school classes on site, with students learning the foundational…
“Having been here for about two months, we feel that the staff members and community have been so welcoming, assisting us in every way we need to help us feel settled,” Rabbi Avi Garson, new assistant rabbi at Congregation Schara…
Prior to the Holocaust, 3.3 million Jews were living in Poland. By 1945, only 300,000 to 350,000 had survived. Haya Newman’s parents were among the survivors, and she has documented their stories in film. In 2014, she completed Wolbrom: My…
The revival of a printed publication is a rare occasion. The folks behind the Spring 2026 Parchment: Contemporary Canadian Jewish Writing should be commended. It is the first issue of the journal to be published since 2014. The hope is…
Grief is an interesting thing. You can think you feel fine, but then you feel anything but. You can think you’re operating as per usual but then find you’re missing things. In the months after my father passed away in…
It might be a sign of the times. The three children’s books that have come across my desk have serious themes: defending freedom, speaking up for human rights and standing up to bullies and dictators. The two recent books I…
As usual, I spent as much time researching what I might create for the Independent’s holiday cover as I did creating it. Lots of themes went through my head, as did lots of possible styles. When I shared with my…
In searching for holiday recipes, I came across the website of award-winning chef and restaurateur Andrew Zimmern. A media personality, Zimmern advocates for sustainable food systems and promotes cultural understanding, among several other causes. He is involved with many organizations…
“The heart of the mission has remained remarkably consistent for 80 years: caring for Jewish seniors with dignity, compassion and respect, while creating a place where Jewish values, traditions and community are part of everyday life,” Ricki Thal, executive director…
When the late Leon Glassman and his wife, Rose Marie, established the Leon Glassman Fund for Jewish Continuity through Education with the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Vancouver a decade ago, the businessman and philanthropist hoped that the Jewish community…
Growing Together – a garden program for young adults with varying abilities, run by the Jewish Community Centre of Greater Vancouver and Jewish Family Services – is facilitated by Ran Keren. (photo from JCC) This spring, the Jewish Community Centre…
Rabbi Schneur and Bina Druk and their family are enjoying life in Whistler. (photo from Chabad of Whistler) The Jewish community in Whistler has warmly welcomed Rabbi Schneur and Bina Druk, co-directors of Chabad of Whistler, and their family, who…
Laurel Weldon, dean of Simon Fraser University’s faculty of arts and social sciences, and Dr. Gloria Gutman at the April 22 reception celebrating the naming of the university’s Gerontology Research Centre in honour of Gutman’s service and lasting impact. The…
Theatre Under the Stars opened July 7 with Sister Act, starring Kat Reynolds, which alternates nights with Disney’s The Little Mermaid, starring Madison Simms, until Aug. 22 at Stanley Park’s Malkin Bowl. (photo by Emily Cooper) This summer, Theatre Under…
Jewish Federation of British Columbia Community Connectors and others from around the province. (photo from JFBC) At its June 22 annual general meeting, the Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver officially launched its new identity as the Jewish Federation of British…
Pat Johnson, left, interviews Jonathan Conricus at the Friends of JNF Pacific Negev Event on June 7. (photo by Galit Lewinski) On June 7, a full sanctuary at Beth Israel Synagogue gathered for the annual Friends of JNF Pacific Negev…
Rebecca Sichon will perform a set at the Mission Folk Music Festival on July 26. She, her father Boris Sichon, DIVKA and Nastasia Y share the stage earlier that day as well. (photo by Sara De Ledesma) Ukrainian-Canadian jazz, soul…
On May 28, Or Shalom Synagogue reopened its doors after a year of renovations. (photo by Wendy D) On the evening of May 28, Or Shalom Synagogue reopened its doors after a year of renovations, welcoming celebrants for the Chanukat…
On May 26, Rabbi Dr. Laura Duhan Kaplan gave the public lecture From Conflict to Connection: Spiritual Community in Stressful Times at the annual conference of Vancouver School of Theology’s Inter-Religious Studies Program. (screenshot) The Walking Together: Sharing the Work…
In Seattle, hours after the terrorist attacks of 9/11, two FBI agents knock on Monty’s door, asking questions about his Afghan partner, who has seemingly disappeared. How much does Monty really know about Jamal? What does he know about himself?…
“Everything changes when we are rooted in our sacredness,” writes Jeff Golden in his self-published, award-winning book Reclaiming the Sacred: Healing Our Relationships with Ourselves and the World (2022). “When we can feel that we are an essential part of…
