August 31, 2022 | 4 Elul 5782
Join Us and Join the Conversation on Thursday, September 8th
This year's we will be live in person with Fran Drescher and live from LA with Mayim Bialik and Jonathan Cohen for the Federation Annual Campaign Opening Event!
We will also be hearing from an amazing panel of mental health experts from our community:
Alisa Farina, Jewish Federation's child, youth, and young adult mental health worker.
Dr. Sandy Penn Whitehouse, a pediatrician and clinical associate professor at UBC and medical director at BC Children’s Hospital, who is also a member of Jewish Federation's Child and Youth Mental Health Committee, will moderate the panel.
Danya Rogan, a social worker who specializes in mood disorders.
Dr. Annie Simpson, a clinical psychologist whose practice focuses on anxiety disorders affecting young children.
Tanja Demajo, CEO of Jewish Family Services.
We hope you will join us as we gather as a community to open this important conversation about mental health.
Thursday, September 8th, 2022 at 7:30 p.m.
Beth Israel Synagogue
Tickets $18
Jewish Federation Welcomes New Child, Youth and Young Adult Mental Health Worker
Addressing mental health issues, particularly in children and youth and young adults, has long been a strategic priority for Jewish Federation. Our hiring of Alisa Farina for a newly created position of Community Child, Youth, and Young Adult Mental Health Worker is the latest step in our strategic approach to addressing this important community issue.
Mental health issues among youth and young adults skyrocketed during the pandemic and exposed the gaps in services available tailored to youth and young adults. “By creating a mental health outreach position that can meet youth and young adults where they are and in whatever venue they are comfortable being in, we hope to create an environment where more youth will seek help," said Shelley Rivkin, vice president of global and local engagement.
“When children or young people experience vulnerable mental health, it affects the individual, family and our community. Our approach will be to stand with young people and walk beside families by providing direct one-to-one support, family support, advocacy, and mental health system navigation in a judgement free, low-barrier, and equitable way. We want to foster resilience and mental well-being in our young people,” said Alisa.
Alisa will provide direct support to children, youth, and young adults struggling with mild or moderate mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. She will also offer support and advocacy to parents and families as they navigate mental health systems, including consulting with school counsellors and other professionals to provide wrap-around service, as well as professional development opportunities to build mental health literacy and prevention-based group programming for youth.
Alisa joins us with 29 years of work experience in the Burnaby School district, the last 10 of which she focused on work with high risk, vulnerable youth, and their families. With a BA in Child and Youth Care, she is currently completing her master’s degree in clinical counselling.
Meet our New Campaign Director, Gayle Morris!
With the Federation Annual Campaign launching tomorrow, it's a great time to get to know Gayle Morris, our new campaign director.
Gayle is an accomplished professional with extensive experience in both innovative startups and not-for-profit organizations and who is known for her ability to create alliances with community stakeholders and partnerships. She has taken on the role with gusto, and we are thrilled that she has joined our team.
“The opportunity to join Federation during Campaign 2022 has been an exciting one! I have always been philanthropic-centric as I learned the importance of Tzedakah at a very young age. Being a giver, and a do-er comes naturally to me," Gayle told us.
Gayle has expanded her team by bringing on Estelle Tabenkin and Ronen Sabag to join her and campaign manager of women’s philanthropy, Ricki Thal. “I am extremely grateful to have a team who share in Federation’s community leadership drive and outpour of services,” said Gayle.
Gayle would love to hear from you. Email her at gmorris@jewishvancouver.com
Meet Karina Khartanovich: Birthright Madricha
One of the many programs that connects our community to Israel that Jewish Federation supports is Birthright Israel. A program that offers the gift of a free, educational, seven-to-ten day peer-group trip to Israel for young Jewish adults between the ages of 18 and 32. We asked past participant and Birthright Madricha, Karina Khartanovich how the program has impacted her.
What inspired you to become a madricha?
After my trip I knew that I would love to go back as a Madricha and contribute, in any way I could, in helping other young jewish adults discover Israel for the first time! There is nothing quite like watching your group discover the beauty of this country, reconnect with their jewish roots and try all the amazing foods in the process!
Was there a particular moment that stood out on the trip you led?
The moment when I saw our entire group bond and become one big family. Watching everyone discover what being Jewish means to them. Seeing everyone check in on each other after the Holocaust memorial. Witnessing some of my group members discover Israel for the first time—were all very special moments for me.
Favourite Israeli food?
That's a tough one—how do I pick just one! If I had to choose: Shakshuka and hummus.
Favourite place in Israel to visit?
Jaffa old city! It's so beautiful and unique. And a trip to the beach in Tel-Aviv afterwards is always a bonus!
What do you have to say to people who are considering the program?
Take a chance! Explore Israel for yourself and you never know, it might just be the most life changing decision you've ever made. If you are ever in doubt, reach out to the trip organizers or chat with previous participants. All of us will be happy to answer any of your questions and make sure you have the most amazing experience!
Registration for Birthright’s Winter 2022 program is currently open.
No registration is required.
Wednesday, September 7th, 2022 at 6:00 p.m.
Temple Sholom, 7190 Oak St.
The Challah Prince is Coming to Vancouver!
Get ready for Rosh Hashanah with the Challah Prince, PJ Library, and Beth Israel. Idan Chabasov is an internationally recognized Israeli Challah artist and he will be teaching families gorgeous ways to braid our loaves. Space is limited. Register today.
Sunday, September 11th, 2022
12:15 – 2:00 p.m.
$36/Family I $10/individual
So many partners—including our BeyachadBC and Connect Me In programs—have joined together to co-present this annual Family Picnic for Hebrew Speakers. Join us and get to know one another through family fun activities while celebrating the Jewish New Year!
Sunday, September 11th, 2022
3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Confederation Park, Burnaby
Please register for this free event to receive more information and the exact location.
מוזמנים/ות להצטרף לפיקניק משפחות דוברות עברית לסיום הקיץ ולקראת השנה החדשה.
כיף והפעלות מובטחות לכל הגילאים והזדמנות מצויינת להיפגש ולהכיר משפחות מהקהילה.
לפרטים נוספים ורישום לחצו כאן
Do you want to get involved in our democracy this municipal election but don’t know how or what it entails? Are you curious about the issues facing our community? Learn how to become an all-star volunteer and what high-level policy issues are impacting this election.
All ages are welcome. Kosher refreshments will be served.
RSVP Vancouver
Monday, September 12th, 2022 at 6:30 p.m.
Congregation Beth Israel
RSVP Burquest
Tuesday, September 13th, 2022 at 6:30 p.m.
Burquest Jewish Community Association
Are you in your 20’s or 30’s? Join our young adult program Axis and CPJAC for a networking event with three incredible speakers from our community. Assaf Yogev, Sason Ross, and Dr. Lara Aknin will speak on their experience and research on the path to their physical fitness and health, journey through politics and the discovery of true happiness respectively.
Entry is free with a donation to the Food Bank
Thursday, September 15th, 2022 at 7:00 p.m.
Museum of Vancouver (Joyce Walley Room), 1100 Chestnut St.
