The writer’s father listening to the radio, circa 1940. (photo from Libby Simon) This black-and-white picture, lined with age, was taken of Papa in about 1940. His attire reflects a time when a vest was commonly worn under a man’s…
(news.gov.bc.ca) British Columbians have been tasked, once again, with voting on whether or not to change our electoral system. Until Nov. 30, we are being asked to choose what voting system we should use for provincial elections, whether to keep…
(thisoldhouse.com) My kids have developed a fascination with the PBS TV show This Old House. They love watching how old houses are fixed, restored and cared for by these talented workmen. I have always liked this show, too, and, as…
Social media is instrumental in forming and reflecting the prevalent views of our society. One sign of its importance is that leaders like U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu communicate mainly through Twitter nowadays. And, while…
Some Jewish communities see making eco-friendly choices as the Jewish and socially conscious thing to do. I’ve also participated in Jewish meals and events in which environmental choices were the farthest thing from anyone’s mind. In fact, as they cheerfully…
(photo by Cynthia Ramsay) Advance voting is underway across British Columbia for municipal elections that culminate Oct. 20. There are many dedicated, informed people with excellent ideas running for office in Vancouver and in communities across British Columbia. This is…
As we come to the end of the High Holy Days, we set ourselves on paths of new beginnings. On Simchat Torah, we mark both a beginning and an end. The cycle of Torah reading ends and then immediately begins…
By the time you read this, our big run of fall Jewish High Holidays will be over. However, I’m still gathering up bits and pieces about it. What did I experience? What worked out and what didn’t? This isn’t a…
Smack in the middle of the Days of Awe, hundreds of members of our community came together for an inspiring, entertaining and occasionally emotional evening celebrating unity and inclusion. The opening event of the 2018 Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver…
I wanted to share an interesting issue I stumbled into while reading online. It was in a Jewish discussion group. The short version (without violating anyone’s privacy) was that one person would be having surgery in the days before Yom…
