Chabad Lubavitch of British Columbia has received a transformative endowment ensuring that the tradition of lighting the Silber Family Agam Menorah at the Vancouver Art Gallery will continue in perpetuity.
The endowment was introduced last year at Legacy of Light, Chabad’s 50th anniversary gala, honouring Rabbi Yitzchak and Henia Wineberg for five decades of leadership. At the event, Arnold Silber, Chabad of BC’s first-ever donor, announced the landmark gift on behalf of his family: Arnold and Anita Silber, Herb and Barbara Silber, and Lori and Wayne Balshin, representing the Harry and Jeannette Greenhut Family Foundation.
More than 40 years ago, the late Fred Silber, father of Arnold and Herb, grandfather of Lori and Wayne, commissioned the 32-foot menorah designed by Israeli artist Yaacov Agam.
“From the very beginning, we believed in Chabad’s vision for Jewish life in British Columbia,” said Arnold Silber. “With this investment, we’re ensuring that the light we kindled together continues to shine brightly for generations.”
“The annual menorah lighting has become a cherished tradition for Jewish families and the city at large,” said Rabbi Dovid Rosenfeld, executive director of Chabad Lubavitch of BC. “This extraordinary generosity guarantees that this beacon of unity, joy and Jewish pride will continue to illuminate Vancouver every Hanukkah.”
– Courtesy Chabad Lubavitch of BC.