annual campaign

Learning opportunities

While a report this spring by the New York-based Jewish Education Project showed a decline in Jewish supplementary education in North America over the past 15 years, participation in after-school and weekend educational programs in British Columbia is on the rise.

Since the 1990s, the Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver has provided small grants to local supplementary schools; at present, it funds 11 programs. And, in 2015, Federation convened the Jewish Education Task Force to look into the state of part-time education.

“Through this work, we recognized the importance of focusing on innovation and change to attract a new generation of families,” said Shelley Rivkin, Federation’s vice-president of local and global engagement. “We were able to provide innovation grants and professional development opportunities for supplementary school educators to learn new and diverse ways to offer Jewish education. More importantly, we expanded the definition of fundable supplementary schools to include Shabbat, family and Hebrew literacy programs.”

According to Rivkin, while the Jewish Education Project report brought attention to the fall in enrolment elsewhere (see jewishindependent.ca/drop-in-jewish-learning), Federation’s experience has been that enrolment here has either remained stable or grown in the last few years.

“We have seen significant gains in supplementary school enrolment in both the regional and emerging communities, where families are seeking opportunities to connect with other Jewish parents and provide opportunities for their children to have Jewish experiences,” Rivkin said.

For example, BC Regional Hebrew Schools, operated through Chabad and funded in part by Federation, has become an important part of building Jewish community life in places like Langley, Coquitlam and Whistler. Likewise, programs directed toward Hebrew-speaking families, which have a broader focus on Israeli culture, are attracting new families who are looking for different content.

“We have seen all of our supplementary school providers adapt and change in response to changing demographics. All offer a range of activities utilizing innovative teaching methods and engaging content to appeal to a diverse group of children and their families,” Rivkin said.

The same is true for the Lower Mainland, where Federation notes that supplementary schools are making a difference as well.

“The Jewish Federation’s Supplementary School Grant helps us in many ways,” said Noga Vieman, education director of Congregation Har El in West Vancouver. “First, we believe that every child in every Jewish home deserves an enriching Jewish education and experience. The grant helps us keep the program reasonably priced, and offers us the opportunity to create scholarships for those in need, so that financial challenges will not prove a barrier to getting quality Jewish education and becoming part of the Jewish community.”

The grant also helps Har El provide its teachers with fair compensation, allowing the North Shore Jewish centre to attract and retain quality educators with a passion for working with children and building the future of the Jewish community in the region.

Further, part of the grant Har El receives is dedicated to funding classroom assistants to help increase inclusion.

“In our program, this money goes towards paying for an education assistant for a child who is blind, and also for teens who help children with different learning abilities, and who need personal support during class,” Vieman said. “This helps to create intergenerational connections, and keeps the teens involved in the community past their own education in our program.”

At the Peretz Centre for Secular Jewish Culture, the Federation grant has been used for Pnei Mitzvah, its secular humanist program for youth aged 10 to 14 that focuses on the Hebrew language, Bible stories, Jewish holidays and Jewish culture.

“We have been growing the program in recent years and have expanded it province-wide through an online cohort,” said Maggie Karpilovski, executive director of the Peretz Centre. “This growth would not be possible without Federation’s funding. It allowed us to attract expert teachers and innovate the delivery model so that it is accessible to more Jewish families throughout the region. As we are the only secular Jewish humanist organization in BC, and the Jewish community is spread out quite widely, it is important for us to make our programs accessible.”

Jen Jaffe, school principal at Temple Sholom, confirms the value of Federation’s financial support. “The grants allowed us to become more accessible to students of varying learning needs,” she said.

At Temple Sholom, the funding has been used to contribute to the school’s madrichim program and create a “learning hub” space for students with needs including sensory materials and furniture. The space is used each time school is in session.

“We need to celebrate these successes,” said Rivkin, “and applaud the educators and parents who are ensuring the survival of part-time Jewish education.”

To donate to Federation’s annual campaign, visit jewishvancouver.com.

Sam Margolis has written for the Globe and Mail, the National Post, UPI and MSNBC.

The fun in fundraising

Music and pop culture journalist Eve Barlow will speak at Choices on Nov. 5. (PR photo)

Two large-scale philanthropic events are slated for the coming weeks as part of the Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver’s annual campaign. On Oct. 22, men’s philanthropy will host the inaugural Texas Hold’em Poker Night, which will take place in the Jewish Community Centre of Greater Vancouver’s Wosk Auditorium. And, on Nov. 5, women’s philanthropy will host the 19th annual Choices event, which will be held this year at Congregation Beth Israel.

Know when to hold ’em

“We wanted to create a new event that brought people together to strengthen their commitment to the community through tzedakah,” said Michael Nemirow, men’s philanthropy chair. “Knowing our community, and the men’s division in particular, our campaign chair, Shay (Shy) Keil, organized a poker tournament … as a way to increase participation through a fun event that people will look forward to attending. We have already received a tremendous response from the community, as well as requests for when the next one will be. If you haven’t yet reserved your spot, please register now at jewishvancouver.com to be part of this special event.”

One of the more popular forms of poker, Texas Hold’em can consist of between two and 10 players. Each player is dealt two private cards (known as “hole cards”) that belong to them alone. Five community cards are dealt face-up, to form “the board.” All players in the game use these shared community cards in conjunction with their own hole cards to each make their best possible five-card poker hand.

Pollock Clinics, which specializes in men’s sexual health, among other things, is presenting the poker event along with Federation. Dr. Neil Pollock and his wife Michelle have a long-standing history of supporting a diverse range of philanthropic causes. Michelle Pollock currently serves as co-chair, with David Fox, of Federation’s Israel and global engagement committee.

Other poker night sponsors include InstaFund, Glotman-Simpson Consulting Engineers and ZLC; beer will be provided in-kind by Mark James of Red Truck Beer Co. There will be three cash prizes – $750, $500 and $250, respectively – for the top three finishers.

Registration for the Texas Hold’em event and a deli dinner begin at 5 p.m., with the tournament starting at 6 p.m. The cost for a poker seat, which includes dinner and drinks, is $180.

Strength of Jewish women

Two weeks following the Texas Hold’em Poker Night, Choices takes place, starting at 11 a.m.

“We are honoured to have the opportunity as co-chairs and friends to bring women from our across our community together to celebrate the strength of women’s philanthropy,” said Choices co-chairs Lisa Averbach and Jaclyn Dayson. “As we are always looking for new ways to engage our community, we have a fresh new format this year. We invite everyone to join us for brunch and to hear from the incredibly impactful speaker, Eve Barlow. Eve will be joining us to speak on the important conversation of antisemitism and how important the ‘Power of Together’ is in our community, families and greater society.”

“Power of Together” is the theme of this year’s annual campaign, and tickets for Choices are $85 plus a minimum donation of $154 to the campaign – or a $36 minimum donation for first-time attendees. In addition to purchasing tickets for themselves, donors can buy an angel ticket (or tickets) to ensure that any Jewish woman who wants to can attend Choices, regardless of their income.

This will be the first time that Choices is held as a brunch, rather than as a dinner event. The main speaker, Barlow, is a music and pop culture journalist. Based in Los Angeles, she is a powerful advocate on social media in the fight against antisemitism and anti-Zionism online.

Originally from Glasgow, Barlow lives in Los Angeles. She has served as deputy editor of New Musical Express, or NME, an entertainment periodical in Britain, and she is a regular contributor to New York Magazine, the Guardian, Billboard, the Los Angeles Times and GQ, among other publications.

In 2020 and 2021, Barlow was selected by The Algemeiner as one of the top 100 people positively impacting Jewish life. For that distinction, the journal cited a quote from a 2020 article Barlow posted on medium.com, which read, “My Zionism is what makes me pro-Palestinian because how could I deny someone’s right to self-determination? I am a Zionist and I am pro-Palestinian.”

The goal of Choices is to engage women in the community “towards the fulfilling work of making the world a better place,” notes the press material. Speakers at previous Choices have included Ellen Schwartz, the founder of Project Give Back; philanthropist and entrepreneur Jill Zarin; and Michelle Hirsch, a Cleveland businesswoman who spearheaded fundraising efforts to help the Jewish community in Houston following Hurricane Harvey in 2017.

Funds raised from Federation’s annual campaign support numerous organizations and causes both locally and internationally, and help seniors, vulnerable families and low-income individuals, among other things. To register for Texas Hold’em Poker Night and Choices, go to jewishvancouver.com.

Sam Margolis has written for the Globe and Mail, the National Post, UPI and MSNBC.

Trio launches campaign

Citizen West performs at the Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver annual campaign launch Sept. 10, 7 p.m., at Congregation Schara Tzedeck. (photo from Citizen West)

The word “fun” came up more than once in the Jewish Independent’s interview with the three tenors who comprise Citizen West. The group will help launch this year’s Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver annual campaign on Sept. 10, and the audience should expect a wide range of music, an abundance of positivity and a high-energy – and fun – performance.

Marc Devigne, Cody Karey and Omer Shaish are all accomplished musicians in their own right. Internationally renowned individually, together they have entertained audiences in more than 150 countries. With their multilingual repertoire, their message is that “we are all global citizens and, through music, we can connect with individuals of all cultures and backgrounds.”

“Music unites and connects us through harmony and a common rhythm and is spiritual in its nature,” Karey told the Independent. “I feel my most spiritually connected when experiencing a profound shared moment, and singing or performing from a stage, especially with such amazing company, really does that for me.”

Karey, who is based in Vancouver, explained how he, Toronto-based Devigne and Miami-based Shaish, came together.

“Citizen West is the product of all of us colliding at slightly different times over the last several years,” he said. “We all set out as solo artists and ended up having parallel careers. Initially, we were competitive rivals, but, as we all became connected and got to know each other, it was clear to us that we could really do something special if we combined our efforts and worked together. The three of us have been officially performing as Citizen West since 2020, but our individual connections and the idea of Citizen West go back years earlier. Our pianist, Trevor [Hoffmann], was instrumental (pun intended) in the earliest days of Citizen West as we developed our repertoire and arrangements, so this reunion performance alongside him will be a little extra special.” (Hoffmann is from Maple Ridge.)

While living in different places and following their own professional paths, Shaish said the trio see each other relatively often.

“We perform a lot as headliners on cruise ships,” he said, “so we get to sing together and travel the world together. It’s a lot of fun! The ships have brought us to some really interesting places, such as Alaska, Easter Island and even Antarctica. Those were great experiences to share with these two. We also perform on land, of course, and we come up with new repertoire all the time. We have four produced sets and, on top of that, we try to cater to our clients’ vision and needs.”

Regarding that, campaign director Gayle Morris shared with the Independent Federation’s vision of the Sept. 10 event. “This year, we wanted to try something fresh, drawing upon the incredible success and positivity of last year’s ‘Amazing Happens’ campaign,” she said. “We want our community to leave the evening inspired and excited by a creative approach to campaign opening. Citizen West are an incredible trio of tenors and a

pianist, whose extensive repertoire of music means there’s something for everyone to enjoy!”

When asked for a hint about the repertoire they will perform at the launch, Shaish said, “I don’t want to give away too many spoilers, but I can say that there’s going to be a wide variety of genres, from classical music and Broadway to pop music, rock and even a splash of Hebrew!”

For Shaish, who is from Tel Aviv originally and grew up in Israel, this show will be special.

“Living in the U.S., I often find myself shifting between my roots (Jewish/Israeli music) and my other passion toward pop music and musical theatre,” he said. “I’m truly excited about this performance, because this is the first time that these two worlds collide.”

“There’s always so much more to learn, live and experience, and I feel that it’s with this outlook that Citizen West can explore and take stylistic chances with many genres,” added Devigne, who grew up in a small French community in Manitoba. Karey grew up in Fort St. James, B.C.

“There is a fraternal sense of camaraderie and connection when we work together,” said Karey. “Our slightly different quirks and styles complement each other well and create a compelling blend. The experience of being on the road is very different when you have good people to share that with. It’s also quite fun!”

Devigne echoed this sentiment. “There’s a sense of brotherhood that comes with being in a group,” he said. “It opens up more creative opportunities as an artist and brings more colour, layers and texture to songs. It’s a nice feeling to be on stage and know you have people you can rely on to support and elevate a performance. We feed on each other’s energy on stage and it makes for a great time. We draw inspiration from each other and I truly believe it lifts us all to be better artists and performers when we perform together.”

“I think it goes with the theme of this event,” said Shaish, referring to the Federation campaign launch. “We all discovered the ‘power of community’ or the ‘power of together.’ There’s something very special and powerful in sharing the stage. When the three of us blend with harmonies and our unique chemistry, it feels like true magic.”

The campaign’s opening event – “Celebrate the Power of Community” – takes place Sept. 10, 7 p.m., at Schara Tzedeck Synagogue. It also features Eric Fingerhut, president and chief executive officer of the Jewish Federations of North America, as keynote speaker; Barak Loozon, strategic advisor to the office of Israeli President Isaac Herzog, speaking about Herzog’s dialogue initiatives; and campaign chair Shay Keil, a senior wealth advisor at ScotiaMcLeod and supporter of many Jewish community organizations and initiatives, sharing his story about how Federation campaign donors helped inspire his Jewish journey. For tickets ($18), visit jewishvancouver.com.

Keil chairs annual campaign

Shay Keil, this year’s Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver annual campaign chair, will share his story at the opening event on Sept. 10. (photo from Jewish Federation)

Gifts to the Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver annual campaign inspire stories with direct human impacts, says Shay Keil, this year’s campaign chair. He’s knows – because he is one of those stories.

“There are real people behind those gifts and I am one of those people,” he told the Independent. “I was a beneficiary of generosity from this community in my earlier days, when my family required financial assistance in order for me to participate in Jewish life in Vancouver – that means being on subsidies to go to the Jewish day school and Jewish day camps. I will share my story of how their Federation gifts decades ago inspired my Jewish journey that would never have happened without their financial support.”

Keil will bring his personal experience to hundreds of community members at the annual campaign opening event Sept. 10. Keynote speaker for the evening will be Eric Fingerhut, president and chief executive officer of the Jewish Federations of North America. Prior to this role, Fingerhut was the head of Hillel International. He is also a former U.S. congressman.

The event’s musical centrepiece will feature vocal trio Citizen West, made up of Marc Devigne, Cody Karey and Omer Shaish. The trio is known for their multilingual repertoire and three-part harmony, which spreads the message that “we are all global citizens, and through music, we can connect with individuals of all cultures and backgrounds,” according to the group’s website.

Keil, who is a senior wealth advisor at ScotiaMcLeod, said the opening event will emphasize the importance of every individual’s contribution to the greater whole.

“The campaign only has success when we all come together,” he said. “Little gifts matter just as much as big gifts, and increases of all sizes really have impact.”

While he hesitates to put a number to his fundraising goal, Keil said he aims to meet or exceed last year’s campaign achievement of $10 million.

While the pandemic is largely behind us, challenges remain for major undertakings like the annual campaign, he acknowledged.

“The main one is the high cost of living [and] the financial challenges that come with higher interest rate costs,” said Keil. “Although that will affect some, it will affect others less so and our objective will be to continue to ask for increases among those who have the ability to do so.”

As someone who knows personally the impact of the annual campaign on its many beneficiaries, Keil is deeply devoted to the community in general and to the Federation campaign in particular.

“I remain committed to community and this is just yet another example of how I express that,” he said.

The campaign opening event takes place at 7 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 10, at Congregation Schara Tzedeck. Tickets ($18) are at jewishvancouver.com.

Community milestones … Federation, Glustein, Adler & Sadoff

Shelley Rivkin, left, Candace Kwinter and Ezra Shanken

Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver’s annual general meeting on June 27 at King David High School celebrated Shelley Rivkin, vice-president of local and global engagement, for her contributions to the community. The meeting also honoured several volunteers for their leadership and contributions: Catherine Epstein (Dennis Frankenburg Award), new board chair Lana Marks Pulver (Harry Woogman Award), Stan Shaw (Bob Coleman Award), Brent Davis (Young Leadership Award) and SUCCESS (Community Partner of the Year).

In an email sent after the meeting, chief executive officer Ezra Shanken and immediate past board chair Candace Kwinter shared their joint message that will appear in Federation’s 2022-2023 annual report. In it, they cover much ground, noting that the organization’s “impact resonates farther afield than what the ‘Greater Vancouver’ in our name might suggest. From the Sea-to-Sky to Langley, and all points in between, Jewish community life is thriving – and we are proud to be at the centre of it through our Connect Me In program. On Vancouver Island and in Kelowna, we are now providing security training for volunteers and professionals in their growing Jewish communities.

“As part of her role on the Jewish Agency’s board of governors, Candace traveled to Ethiopia and accompanied some of the 3,000 Jews who were making aliyah. Together, we traveled to Mexico City with the Jewish Agency to see more of their international work, and from Ukraine to Turkey and Syria and beyond, we helped those in need when disaster struck.

“We continued to improve the quality of life for residents of our partnership region in northern Israel. Our work is focused on strengthening the region’s development and regionalism through leadership development and capacity-building while investing in academic excellence. Our long-term investments are helping residents tackle some of the most difficult and complex challenges they face living in Israel’s periphery.

“The political situation in Israel has proven challenging for many in our local community who care deeply about the country,” continue Shanken and Kwinter. “We and our partners have offered multiple events over many months to help people learn more about what is happening and to facilitate discussions.

“Here at home, inflation continued to take a toll on our partners and the people they serve. Across the board, our partners report that inflationary pressures are affecting every part of their work. Ninety-one percent are concerned or very concerned that inflation will affect community members’ ability to fully participate in Jewish life. And 100% of our social service partners are concerned or very concerned that inflation will affect their ability to support their clients’ needs.

“For five years, we have been bringing community together around issues of affordability. Together with key partners, we co-hosted an Affordability Summit on the experiences of children and youth in low-income homes. The three areas of focus identified by our planning council are advocacy for a national breakfast program, creation of a single application point for assistance from multiple organizations, and development of more inclusive, respectful processes.

“This year, we made strides in combatting antisemitism. We were proud to see Vancouver city council and Richmond city council adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism and the province of B.C. commit to using it as a tool to identify and combat hatred. Identifying antisemitism is the first step in combatting it, which makes these milestones important for all of us, and we want to thank our partners and our advocacy agent, the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, for their work on this.”

Federation also has started “an organizational design initiative intended to build significant capacity within the Federation over the next several years with greater potential for scalability, efficiency, excellence and agility going forward.

“Our unparalleled impact is possible thanks to the strength of our partnerships and the cherished trust of our donors,” Shanken and Kwinter write. “Collective giving is deeply rooted in our tradition, and we play a leadership role in raising the funds our community needs to grow from strength to strength. We invest strategically in initiatives that keep our community strong today, tomorrow and for years to come – as well as in times of crisis. Our partners depend on us to generate the support they need to deliver the vital programs and services on which thousands of people rely.”

The 2022 annual campaign generated more than $13 million for the community: $10.24 million directly through the campaign and $2.91 million in additional support, including special project funding, community relief and emergency relief. The Jewish Community Foundation’s contributions this year surpassed $12.7 million.

“This is more than double the contributions received in the previous fiscal year, which itself exceeded the contributions of the year before that,” write Shanken and Kwinter. “The Foundation strategically disbursed a total of $3.7 million into local, national and worldwide causes, including funding for the Foundation’s Unrestricted Grant Program, which allows response to critical emerging needs in the community.

“JWest also achieved unprecedented milestones. As one of the three lead organizations working together to bring JWest to life, we are excited at the progress made this year. From announcing the capital campaign cabinet to securing $75 million in funding and philanthropic gifts to a $36 million matching gift, this project has gained tremendous momentum.”

* * *

Ada Glustein received a silver medal for Canada-West Region, non-fiction, in this year’s Independent Publisher Book (“IPPY”) Awards for Being Different (self-published).

The “IPPY” Awards are a broad-based, unaffiliated awards program open to all members of the independent publishing industry worldwide who produce books written in English that are appropriate for the North American market. The awards are intended to bring increased recognition to the thousands of exemplary independent, university and self-published books released each year.

A memoir, Being Different tells a universal story about feeling different and longing to belong. Glustein recounts tales of growing up in a Jewish immigrant family during and following the Second World War, and the experiences that stand out during her school days, not knowing how to fit in to the world beyond home. She reflects on her years of teaching diverse children who also experienced life as “different.” She finds her own sense of belonging through helping those children find theirs.

* * *

Barbara Adler is the new artistic director of the Only Animal Theatre.

“After a rigorous national search by a leadership transition committee comprising board members and affiliated artists, we are delighted to have Barbara take the lead at the Only Animal,” said board chair Eleanor Stacey. “When we began the search process, we knew it would be an immense challenge to find a successor to founding artistic director Kendra Fanconi, who built such a visionary and essential company. Barbara’s distinctive combination of experience, artistry and vision for the future positions her uniquely to lead the company into its next chapter.”

Adler is an interdisciplinary artist and performer whose practice incorporates text, music, event-making and design. Recent projects centre slow and process-led creations that focus work around relational time and seasonal cycles. As a poet and musician, Adler spent over a decade touring North America, Europe and rural British Columbia as a solo artist and with ensembles, including the Fugitives, Proud Animal and Ten Thousand Wolves. She holds a master of fine arts (interdisciplinary studies) and a bachelor’s in art and cultural studies from Simon Fraser University.

Adler is “thrilled to join a company whose irresistible artistry and deeply held ecological values have brought both innovation and care to the climate crisis.” She added, “The Only Animal’s vision of enduring environmental stewardship reminds me that none of us will individually finish the work. I am honoured to add myself to the beautiful story that Kendra and the company have told for 17 years, and humbled by this opportunity to prepare the way for the next generation of voices in the climate struggle.”

* * *

photo - Rabbi Susan Tendler, her husband Ross Sadoff and their kids — Rabbi Susan Tendler, her husband Ross Sadoff and their kids.

Beth Tikvah Congregation brought the community together for a Shabbat BBQ at Gary Point Park July 7. Sponsored by the Sadoff family in honour of Ross Sadoff’s birthday and under the leadership of Rabbi Susan Tendler, the event drew around 100 attendees. Amid a picturesque setting, the atmosphere buzzed with ruach(spirit). Laughter and joy filled the air as families and friends relished the food, conversations and Shabbat traditions.

photo - Left to right: Ian Felgar, Elena Felgar, Yvette Tarko-Sabi and Donna Felgar — Left to right: Ian Felgar, Elena Felgar, Yvette Tarko-Sabi and Donna Felgar

photo - Roy Freedman and Caryl Koshen — Roy Freedman and Caryl Koshen

photo - Estelle Bleet, left, and Ann Kramer — Estelle Bleet, left, and Ann Kramer

photo - Jeff Rothberg and Stacey Kettleman of Star Catering — Jeff Rothberg and Stacey Kettleman of Star Catering.

photo - Libby Seltzer, left, and Mindy Zimmering — Libby Seltzer, left, and Mindy Zimmering

Community milestones … Federation annual campaign, Janusz Korczak Statuette

The 2022 Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver annual campaign raised $13.17 million: $10.24 million through the campaign and $2.91 million in additional support (this includes additional special project funding, community relief and emergency relief). Federation chief executive officer Ezra Shanken noted in one of his weekly emails last month that 2,500-plus donors made “Amazing Happen,” the campaign’s theme. There were more than 900 donors “who gave for the first time or increased their gifts, 21 partner agency boards achieved 100% campaign participation, meaning that every one of their directors supported the annual campaign,” and there were more than 200 volunteer canvassers.

“The campaign is led by volunteer leaders from across our community,” wrote Shanken, “and I want to thank the entire annual campaign cabinet who did a remarkable job guided by the leadership of Lana Marks Pulver in her second year as chair: Shay Keil, Megan Laskin, Alvin Wasserman, Al Szajman, Chana Charach, Lindsay Isserow, David Linde, Catherine Epstein, Andrew Altow, David Porte, Michael Nemirow, Todd Thal, Sue Hector, Lucy Adirim and Justin Ergas.

“On behalf of the thousands of people, here and around the world, whose lives are made better by collective giving,” he continued, “I want to thank everyone who participated in the annual campaign and took our results to new heights for our community.”

* * *

Last month, Jerry Nussbaum and Lillian Boraks-Nemetz of the Janusz Korczak Association of Canada awarded the 2023 Janusz Korczak Statuette to David Morley, who has supported and advanced children’s rights and well-being in Canada and around the world in his 30-plus year career. He only recently retired from his position as president and chief executive officer of UNICEF Canada.

Prior to joining UNICEF Canada, Morley served as executive director of Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors without Borders Canada (during his tenure, Médecins Sans Frontières was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize); as president and CEO of Save the Children Canada; and was the founding executive director of the Institute for Canadian Citizenship. Morley was invested into the Order of Canada “for his leadership in international development and for his humanitarian commitment to improving the lives of children and families around the world.”

The 2023 Janusz Korczak Statuette recognizes lifetime achievement in child advocacy, and vision and leadership in promoting a holistic approach to the well-being of children in the spirit of Korczak. It is awarded under the auspices of B.C. Lieutenant Governor Janet Austin (honorary patron of the association), who participates in the annual event. The ceremony this year took place at Government House in Victoria on May 3.

Teaching about charity

Ellen Schwartz, founder of Project Give Back. (photo from LinkedIn)

Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver’s Choices, the largest celebration of women’s philanthropy in the community, takes place Nov. 3 at Congregation Beth Israel. At the event, featured speaker Ellen Schwartz, founder of Project Give Back, will talk about raising a son with a neurodegenerative disease and how her son Jacob helped her “live a more grounded, purposeful and present life.”

Project Give Back is targeted to elementary students in Ontario. Established in 2007 by Schwartz, a Toronto-based teacher, community advocate and mother of three children, it started as a program she created for her fourth grade classroom and it is designed to teach compassion and concern for community. The program, which selects and trains teachers to deliver its specialized curriculum, runs weekly from October to May in partner schools. In it, students help do the teaching by explaining the value of a worthy cause to their fellow classmates. Since its inception, Project Give Back has helped bring awareness to hundreds of charities.

“The beauty about Project Give Back is children teach us about what matters to them, through their involvement with a charity that they or their family are connected to,” Schwartz told the Independent.

Fifteen years after starting the program, Schwartz said many early participants continue to be actively involved in charitable work as they enter into young adulthood.

“We definitely have seen many of our alumni actively giving and making change in their communities,” she said. “Some of our graduates have published books, with proceeds donated to their chosen and personal causes.”

Some of the many grassroots charities to which Project Give Back has recently brought attention are Sending Sunshine, a program directed at curbing loneliness in the elderly population; Nanny Angel Network, which provides free in-home child care in Canada; and the Super Sophia Project, a group whose goal is to offer hope to children and their families battling cancer.

As Project Give Back bases much of its lessons on personal connection and in-class discussions, it, like many organizations, was affected by the pandemic and had to shift its operations accordingly.

“We had to pivot quickly to online learning. All of a sudden, we looked at the windows of the students and we had family members attending lessons as well as pets, grandparents, etc. That was beautiful to see,” Schwartz recalled.

“Unfortunately, there was a tremendous gap in education and, while many schools were able to continue, almost at the switch of a button, others truly struggled. In these schools, often school was a safe place for many children and many didn’t have the opportunity to reset online quickly. We launched Project Give Back Connects during this time. This was a way to connect powerful messages and resources to classroom teachers, which they could access and share with their students.”

For her Vancouver presentation, Schwartz plans to discuss some of the life lessons she learned from her son Jacob, who died in 2019 at the age of 21. Only months after he was born, he was diagnosed with Canavan disease, which damages the brain’s nerve cells. Jacob wasn’t able to walk, talk or see.

“I will share the best piece of advice I was ever given. It was on a folded note left in my mailbox 25 years ago, [and] I still don’t know who left it there,” said Schwartz. “I will touch on tricks and tips to living a life filled with purpose and meaning as well as shaping grief in a manner that allows us to move forward.”

Currently, Project Give Back only operates in Ontario, but Schwartz is eager to investigate operating in Vancouver schools.

“Our plan is to continue to grow slowly and carefully, never compromising on the quality of our program,” she said. “Sometimes, bigger does not mean better. I would rather teach less children and do it well so that spark becomes a flame, rather than teaching more and hoping to ignite a spark.”

Schwartz also co-founded Jacob’s Ladder, Canadian Foundation for the Control of Neurodegenerative Diseases, with her husband Jeff in 1998. In its 21 years of operation, Jacob’s Ladder raised more than $3 million for research, education and awareness of neurodegenerative illnesses, as well as research into treatments.

Ellen Schwartz has written two books: Lessons from Jacob: A Disabled Son Teaches His Mother About Courage, Hope and the Joy of Living Life to the Fullest and Without One Word Spoken. She has been honoured by the Israel Cancer Research Fund, Ve’ahavta, Aish Toronto, Sick Kids Hospital, and Brilliant Minded Women. And she has been awarded a Queen’s Jubilee Medal, a Meritorious Service Decoration by the Governor General of Canada and a Canada 150 Exemplary Canadian Medal.

“I am hoping to make some new friends and inspire your community with a story I am honoured to be able to share,” Schwartz said, when asked about what she expects from her visit.

The community speakers participating in Choices this year are the daughters of Holocaust survivor Robert Krell: Shoshana Lewis, Simone Kallner and Michaela Singerman. They will share how they honour their father’s experience.

Also part of the Nov. 3, 5 p.m., event will be a marketplace including several local vendors.

Tickets for Choices are $60 and include dinner. However, there is a minimum donation of $154 to support the Federation annual campaign and, for first-time Choices attendees, a minimum donation of $36. Register at jewishvancouver.com/choices.

Sam Margolis has written for the Globe and Mail, the National Post, UPI and MSNBC.

Directing the campaign

Gayle Morris (photo from jewishvancouver.com)

Gayle Morris joined the Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver this summer as its annual campaign director. Morris arrives to the role with an abundance of experience in helping people both within the Jewish community and throughout the Greater Vancouver area.

Crediting “great mentors” for guiding her through several leadership and business strategist positions, Morris carries a CV that stretches from crown corporations to startups to nonprofit organizations. She also has volunteered with various Jewish community groups, including Congregation Beth Tikvah, where her son had his bar mitzvah, and has served on the City of Richmond’s Advisory Committee for Sister City Relations.

“Building relationships is central to all that I do,” she told the Independent. “For me, volunteerism has so many benefits and is quite humbling. Fast forward to this year, on June 19, I co-chaired Chabad Richmond’s 25th anniversary celebration honouring two individuals [Rabbi Yechiel and Chanie Baitelman] who I admire and respect. Planning and executing this community-wide event where 380 people were in attendance, along with overseeing a committee of volunteers, truly led me and propelled me into the role at Jewish Federation. I am honoured to take this role, so I can deepen my relationships in the community and help Federation support Greater Vancouver, Israel and the incredible partner organizations and programs here and overseas.”

As campaign director, Morris is integral to the planning, support and execution of the campaign to ensure it raises the funds necessary to meet the growing and evolving needs of the community.

“Being new to the position, the team collaboration and support among all Federation departments is invaluable,” said Morris. “Everyone brings so much value, wisdom and knowledge, which has contributed to my easing into the position as campaign director.”

Morris emphasized that “challenges” is not a word she employs frequently. She prefers to view such circumstances as opportunities that demonstrate the need to respond to changes in the environment.

“Just as we were coming out of a pandemic, the world has been hit with inflation, unlike anything we have seen in decades,” she said. “Soaring costs are wreaking havoc on families, individuals and seniors. Our partner agencies are being hit hard – their costs to deliver their services and programs are rising, while at the same time they are receiving more requests for help and cannot pass on the added costs to their clients. Our partners rely on a healthy Federation annual campaign to help provide financial stability so they can continue their important work.”

Morris could not be more excited to be spearheading the initiative. “I love it! I have always felt a strong connection to my Jewish heritage and, as a second generation Vancouverite, I am familiar with our local Jewish community,” she said.

“My appreciation, affinity and commitment to Israel have always been important to me. Two months into this role now, I have had the opportunity to observe, connect and engage and bring my skill set, passion and purpose to Jewish Federation. There is so much team collaboration and support. Overseeing all aspects of stewardship in this vitally important role, I believe, is a perfect fit for me.”

Federation’s annual campaign is the largest in the community and takes planning and input from across all departments of the organization. The local and global engagement departments, according to Morris, make every effort to be aware of the new and evolving needs of the community through work with Federation’s partners. In turn, this helps inform the focus of each year’s campaign.

Meanwhile, the marketing and campaign teams include, she said, “amazing volunteer members who work closely together to develop the creative and programming to engage our community and draw attention to community needs.”

Morris has expanded her team by bringing on Estelle Tabenkin and Ronen Sabag to join her and women’s philanthropy campaign manager Ricki Thal. “I am extremely grateful to have a team who share in Federation’s community leadership drive and outpouring of services,” said Morris.

“All that we do throughout the year is built on our core values of tikkun olam, tzedakah, klal Israel and chesed, and this is how we create a vibrant, caring and inclusive community that I am so grateful to call home.”

The Federation campaign kicked off Sept. 8 and runs through the end of December. For more information, visit jewishvancouver.com/annual-campaign.

Sam Margolis has written for the Globe and Mail, the National Post, UPI and MSNBC.

Drescher opens Federation campaign

Fran Drescher, best known for the TV show The Nanny, among other comedic roles, enraptured audience members at the Jewish Federation annual campaign launch Sept. 8. She offered deeply vulnerable descriptions of being raped and of surviving cancer, and the related mental health impacts these life-altering events sparked.

The presentation was the centrepoint of an evening dedicated to the topic of mental wellness. Actor, neuroscientist and Jeopardy host Mayim Bialik joined live from Los Angeles along with her partner and podcast cohost Jonathan Cohen. Their podcast, Mayim Bialik’s Breakdown, is focused on myths and misunderstandings about mental health and emotional well-being. They were interviewed by Globe and Mail reporter Marsha Lederman.

A panel of local experts completed the evening. Alisa Farina, Federation’s new child and youth mental health worker, Danya Rogen, a social worker who specializes in mood disorders, Dr. Annie Simpson, a clinical psychologist focused on childhood anxiety, and Tanja Demajo, chief executive officer of Jewish Family Services, shared reflections with Dr. Sandy Penn Whitehouse, a pediatrician and clinical associate professor at the University of British Columbia and medical director at B.C. Children’s Hospital.

Lana Marks Pulver, chair of the campaign, opened the event. Candace Kwinter, chair of the Federation board, introduced a video on mental wellness. Sue Hector, chair of women’s philanthropy, introduced Drescher. Federation chief executive officer Ezra Shanken closed the event. King David High School Vocal Ensemble led the Canadian and Israeli national anthems.

Vancouver Island campaign

Jewish Family Services Vancouver Island will extend its hours for the Sept. 18 community resource fair that launches the Jewish Federation of Victoria and Vancouver Island’s annual campaign this year. (photo from jfsvi.ca)

The Jewish Federation of Victoria and Vancouver Island (JFVVI) is trying something a little different for its annual United Jewish Appeal campaign launch this year. On Sept. 18, they will celebrate Jewish diversity in British Columbia with a community resource fair. The event will be held at the Jewish Community Centre of Victoria, from 1 to 4 p.m., and will feature presenters from both Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland.

“We are changing things up this year,” said Coral Grant, executive director of JFVVI. “Usually, we have a guest speaker. The past few years, it has been on Zoom. This year, we wanted to reach the wider community by having a launch we could do in person. We are really hoping that, with this fair, we can encourage people to come out and see what is available in the Jewish community in British Columbia, as well as locally.”

As it does every year, the JFVVI campaign runs from Sept. 1 to Dec. 31. Mailings and outreach through fliers to members of the community are currently underway and, soon, volunteer canvassers will continue these fundraising efforts. For 2022/23, the campaign’s objective is to raise $175,000 – or $10,000 more than it did in 2021/22. The previous year’s campaign exceeded its target, as it included a separate campaign raising funds for Ukraine.

The response to the call for fair presenters was tremendous – JFVVI quickly ran out of available display space at the Victoria JCC. The fair will take place in the main area of the building, the same location as the Lox, Stock and Bagel Deli, which ordinarily operates Tuesdays to Fridays, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Many of the 20 tables will be operated by representatives from Vancouver-area organizations, such as the Jewish Museum and Archives, the Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver, the pluralistic Jewish teen movement BBYO, the Canadian Jewish Political Action Committee (CJPAC), Birthright Israel and March of the Living.

Among the local groups will be the JFVVI, the Victoria Jewish Choir, PJ Library, the Victoria Shoah Project, Canadian Hadassah-WIZO, the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA), the Jewish Burial Society, the theatre group Bema Productions and the Hebrew school from Congregation Emanu-El. All of the Victoria congregations – Chabad of Vancouver Island, Congregation Emanu-El and Kolot Mayim Reform Temple – will be participating and the Mekorah Institute, co-founded by Rabbi Matt Ponak and dedicated to bringing integrated and sustainable spiritual transformation to individuals and religious lineages, will be there, too.

At the fair, the Victoria JCC will highlight the Victoria International Jewish Film Festival, now in its eighth year, which takes place both online and in person at the Vic Theatre in downtown Victoria Nov. 1-6. Jewish Family Services Vancouver Island, which sells fresh produce at wholesale prices every second Sunday in the summertime from the JCC parking lot, will extend its hours for the occasion.

Recent estimates on the size of the Jewish community in Victoria range from 1,500 to 3,000 people. One point on which most can agree, however, is that, whatever the number, it has been increasing. The city is now home to three synagogues, a secular humanist group, a kosher bakery and numerous other organizations and social and cultural activities.

“There are a lot of folks who have moved here recently, and it may be interesting for them to find out what is happening here,” Grant said. “For the locals, having some of the organizations from the Mainland may be an eye-opener. We are really hopeful that, in covering a broad spectrum of organizations, the community will find something which is new and exciting for them.

“I am really excited,” she said, “because this is an in-person gathering and I’m excited that we have been able to collaborate with people on the Mainland to showcase the diversity in the province and bring some of that to the Island. To do this as a campaign launch is kind of a novelty for us and, hopefully, it will all come together and work.”

About to embark on its 36th year of operation, JFVVI is the umbrella organization of the Jewish community in the capital region and Vancouver Island. It raises funds for local groups and supports organizations, individuals and families both regionally and in Israel with grants and scholarships and through partnerships with community leaders. It coordinates, plans and promotes social, educational, cultural, health and welfare programs and activities in the Jewish community. The JFVVI is committed to building strong, vibrant Jewish communities throughout the Island.

For more information about how to donate to the Jewish Federation of Victoria and Vancouver Island, visit jewishvictoria.ca.

Sam Margolis has written for the Globe and Mail, the National Post, UPI and MSNBC.