Local

Saanich South’s riding

photo - Richard Zussman

Richard Zussman, a familiar face on television for several news organizations over the years, has entered the political ring. He is running for the BC NDP in the Greater Victoria riding of Saanich South, a seat vacated by Lana Popham,…

A look at the candidates in Skeena

image - election graphic by vectorportal.com

In the Oct. 24 provincial election, the riding of Skeena, which includes Terrace and Kitimat, has two candidates who identify as Jewish: incumbent Claire Rattée, for the Conservative Party of British Columbia, and Nick Gottlieb, for the BC Green Party.…

Hebrew lessons

“Hebrew is a language that spans time and distance, but just like any other language, we believe anyone can learn it,” says teacher Yasmine Halevi on her website, hebrewforeveryone.ca. “We welcome students from diverse backgrounds and religions – no background…

Hear voices for peace

photo - Luai Ahmed, Fatema Al-Harbi and Tamer Masudin

Allied Voices for Israel and Sharaka are bringing three speakers to British Columbia this month for a panel called United We Stand: Voices for Peace in the Middle East. Luai Ahmed, Fatema Al-Harbi and Tamer Masudin – all Arab advocates…

Theme of belonging

photo - The Vancouver Accordion Orchestra plays at Carnegie Community Centre Theatre on Nov. 6

From Oct. 30 to Nov. 7, the 23rd Annual Downtown Eastside Heart of the City Festival will feature more than 100 events, including music, poetry, theatre, ceremony, films, dance, readings, forums, workshops, discussions, gallery exhibits, art talks and history tours.…

New series on journeys

photo - Rabbi Matthew Ponak

Kolot Mayim Reform Temple’s annual Building Bridges Speaker Series returns on Nov. 1 with a new six-part series exploring the theme Lech Lecha: Journeys of the Soul.  Lech Lecha literally means “Go forth” or “Go to yourself.” The phrase marks…

JWest construction to begin

photo - The Diamond family and other guests at the JWest groundbreaking ceremony Sept. 14.

A violinist played tunes from Fiddler on the Roof, as dignitaries and community members joined the JWest groundbreaking ceremony Sept. 14, amid tight security. A mound of soil in the Jewish Community Centre of Greater Vancouver parking lot symbolized the…

Bend the arc of justice

photo - Broadcaster and commentator Ben Mulroney opened the annual campaign of the Jewish Federation of British Columbia at Schara Tzedeck Sept. 16

Antisemitism is “the exception that proves the rule” of moral progress, broadcaster and commentator Ben Mulroney told an audience at Schara Tzedeck Synagogue Sept. 16, warning that “the oldest hatred has become the newest.”  Mulroney – host of the nationally…