Tag: events

Scribe camp issue launches

The Jewish Museum & Archives of British Columbia (JMABC) is releasing the 41st edition of The Scribe – which has a summer camps theme – on April 24, 6 p.m., at the Peretz Centre for Secular Jewish Culture.

The JMABC’s flagship publication celebrates the lives and traditions of British Columbia’s Jewish residents by focusing on one sector each edition. This year’s journal features personal memories from seven Jewish summer camps in the Pacific Northwest, highlighting the lasting impact that camp experiences have had on the development of lifelong connections to Jewish culture and community. 

First published in 1989, The Scribe’s mandate is to link the Jewish community’s past with the present to inspire future generations. The publication has documented all aspects of the Jewish experience in British Columbia. Past issues have focused on prominent medical pioneers who have improved the lives of Canadians; top restaurateurs who cultivated Vancouver’s social scene; and ready-to-wear icons who helped British Columbia become an international fashion centre.

“The Scribe: Summer Camps Issue is by far one of the most endearing and nostalgic issues in [the journal’s] 41-year history,” said Daniella Givon, president of the JMABC. “Jewish summer camps have long represented a unique form of organic community-building and Jewish connection. Through the iconic summer camp experience, generations of Jewish youth have developed a sense of resilience and belonging that has strengthened their own connections to Jewish community, personal identity and cultural continuity.”

“The impact and success of Jewish communities in Canada have been significantly enhanced by the collective experiences of summer camp attendees,” said Elana Wenner, JMABC director of programming and development. “We look forward to taking a walk down memory lane with Jewish communities throughout BC with this new issue!”

The launch at the Peretz Centre will be an immersive evening of nostalgia, song and stories, as the summer camp communities of the Pacific Northwest are brought together under one roof.

Tickets are $54 each, and include dinner, a program and a keepsake T-shirt. All proceeds are in support of the JMABC. Copies of The Scribe: Summer Camps Issue will be available for purchase at the event for $20 each. (JMABC members in good standing will receive one free copy per family.) For tickets, visit tinyurl.com/ANightAtCamp. 

– Courtesy Jewish Museum & Archives of British Columbia

Check out JI calendar

It is not even officially summer yet but, because we like to stay ahead of the curve, welcome to our annual Summer Celebration issue (June 10)!

Also ahead of the curve is the weather, which has seemed like summer throughout much of the spring. This has been a glorious boon to we who enjoy the innumerable outdoor activities this region has to offer – even if your choice of outdoor activity is simply relaxing on a patio with a hot or cold beverage.

The mostly warm and dry weather, of course, brings challenges. The danger of wildfires has been horrifically demonstrated by the tragedy of Fort McMurray. We also each have a responsibility to do our part in preserving water resources. A brown lawn, nowadays, is a sign of pride and respect for the environment.

That aside, this summer’s calendar – June, July, August, even September – is choc-a-bloc with ideas for individuals and families of every age to enjoy.

Being the Jewish newspaper, as we are, we emphasize events and activities oriented specifically toward Jewish British Columbians or that are in some way connected with our community. There is a vast array of opportunities and we hope that you will keep jewishindependent.ca bookmarked for at least the next months so the first time a kid or teenager complains of boredom – or when it seems like they have spent time enough on electronic devices – the plethora of activities highlighted here will inspire a fun day. Or a welcome night out sans children.

Last week in this space, we discussed the challenges created by transportation and real estate prices in this region. Throughout the year, in these pages, in other media and in everyday conversations, Vancouverites have a habit of kvetching, particularly during those long wet, grey autumn and winter days. But summer is what really brings out the best in this city and province.

Take some time to put aside the daily worries and woes and throw yourself into some of the superb offerings the city and the region has. Let the Independent inspire you!