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Jewish genes and cancer risk

With the growth of ancestry services like 23andMe, we are more aware than ever of our genes and how important they are. What we may not know is how our Jewish ancestry puts us and our children at greater risk…

Cemeteries get an upgrade

The new black granite memorial wall at Schara Tzedeck Cemetery in New Westminster allows people to memorialize loved ones buried in other cities. (photo from Schara Tzedeck) What’s new at the cemetery? Not a question one tends to ask, but the…

Rediscovering Judaism

photo - Sarah Hurwitz will help launch Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver’s annual campaign on Sept. 8

Sarah Hurwitz will help launch Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver’s annual campaign on Sept. 8. (photo from Jewish Federation) Sarah Hurwitz, who for seven years served as head speechwriter for former first lady Michelle Obama, will be a featured speaker…

Parenting in pandemic

image - Parenting in a Pandemic booklet cover

The Rohr Jewish Learning Institute (JLI) has recently published Parenting in a Pandemic: A Guide for the Perplexed. Part of Project L’Chaim, a new Vancouver-wide youth mental health initiative in memory of Steven Diamond, the 36-page booklet is filled with…

Best years ahead: Shanken

photo - Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver chief executive officer Ezra Shanken holding a T-shirt featuring Dr. Patricia Daly, vice-president of public health and chief medical health officer for Vancouver Coastal Health. The Facebook post thanks Daly for always being there, throughout COVID-19, “behind the scenes providing valuable support”

Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver chief executive officer Ezra Shanken holding a T-shirt featuring Dr. Patricia Daly, vice-president of public health and chief medical health officer for Vancouver Coastal Health. The Facebook post thanks Daly for always being there, throughout…

The world needs us to change

photo - Nigel Savage, president and chief executive officer of Hazon, is one of the keynote speakers for Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver’s annual campaign opening on Sept. 8

Nigel Savage, president and chief executive officer of Hazon, is one of the keynote speakers for Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver’s annual campaign opening on Sept. 8. (photo from JFGV) Nigel Savage, president and chief executive officer of Hazon, is…

Making yoga more accessible

screenshot - yogabuggy.com homepage

For Miriam Leo-Gindin, founder of the Yoga Buggy, COVID-19 has meant more opportunities to bring her passion for yoga to Vancouver youth – free of charge. Leo-Gindin, 41, a former school teacher who has taught yoga in various capacities, including…

More than a teaching position

photo - Sara Barahan, a former Israel Connect student, continues to meet with her mentor from the program, and has started helping others improve their English, too

Sara Barahan, a former Israel Connect student, continues to meet with her mentor from the program, and has started helping others improve their English, too. (photo from Chabad Richmond) Israel Connect pairs a mentor with an Israeli teen student who…

Need for Courage increases

photo - Corey Hirsch is among the honorees of this year’s Courage to Come Back Awards

Corey Hirsch is among the honorees of this year’s Courage to Come Back Awards. (photo from Courage to Come Back) “Believe me when I say that the stories we share are true journeys of bravery, resilience and strength in the…