High school is on its way

It was a significant day for all who had been involved in making the dream of a new Jewish high school in Vancouver a reality. And, on April 27, when they held their official groundbreaking ceremony, there was a significant crowd there to celebrate.

More than 350 community members, leaders, teachers and students gathered under a tent on the lot adjacent to the Jewish Community Centre of Greater Vancouver (JCC) to declare the beginning of construction on the new school.

Emceed by Lorne Cristall, presentations where made by Schara Tzedeck Rabbi Andrew Rosenblatt, Gordon Diamond, Beth Israel Rabbi Charles Feinberg, Dr. Larry Goldstein, the president of the Vancouver Talmud Torah high school (VTTHS), VTTHS Grade 8 student Alan Schweber, JCC president Herb Silber, Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver president Arnie Fine and VTTHS student body president Tamar Katz.

The program concluded with a ceremonial turning of the sod, which was followed up by a few sizable digs by a large backhoe. The event was co-chaired by Barbara Silber, Reisa Schwartzman and Julie Schneiderman.

For more information about the new school, call 604-257-5111.

Kyle Berger is a freelance journalist and graphic designer living in Richmond.