Shabbat Message - April 2, 2021

This message has 760 words and will take a little more than 3 minutes to read.

I hope you are having a very happy Passover, despite the new and different ways we are all celebrating. In this second year of “Zoomover” seders, our great wish of “Next year, in Jerusalem” has grown to represent many different things we wish for ourselves and others, both now and in the future.

Next year in synagogue.
We were so close! Just days after the province decided to allow indoor religious services temporarily, the decision was reversed and the three-week circuit breaker was announced. While it was disappointing, safety must come first. We know it was not an easy decision, as is so often the case when the right decision conflicts with what we yearn for. We want to acknowledge the efforts of local clergy and synagogue staff, who pivoted not once but twice due to these changes. It’s not easy and they did the very best any of us could expect.
 
Next year on campus.
University students are among those who are feeling far away from friends and family this Passover. Fortunately, Hillel stepped in to deliver seder meals. Hillel UBC partnered with the Community Kollel, which provided 50 Passover meat meals with all the trimmings for the seder plate. In Victoria, they partnered with Jewish Family Services Victoria, which provided 40 packages of matzah and grape juice to UVic students, all of whom very much appreciated having what they needed to celebrate the holiday. Then Hillel BC brought 70 students and their families together via Zoom for one big happy seder on the second night, led by Rabbi Bregman and a number of students.
 
Speaking of UBC, Irwin Cotler, who has dedicated his career to fighting for human rights (and who is a former FEDtalks speaker), and Deborah Lipstadt, the world-renowned Holocaust historian, are among those who will receive honourary degrees from the university. Read the full list here.
 
Next year we remember together, in person.
April is Genocide Remembrance, Condemnation and Prevention Month, and the annual Yom HaShoah commemoration at the BC Legislature will be held online this year. The commemoration has grown to over 200 people, with standing room only overflowing into the adjacent hall. This year we have the opportunity to grow it even more and send a message about the importance of Holocaust remembrance. Holocaust survivors are invited to a private meeting with the Premier. Any survivor can join, but you must RSVP to Etti Goldman and the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs to receive the Zoom link. The general public can join the commemoration here.
 
Next year in Jerusalem… and around the world.
Last Thursday, we held our fifth MIT (Madrichim in Training) session for Birthright, which was focused on the impact Jewish Federation makes around the world. Michal Ben Dori, the Jewish Agency for Israel’s (JAFI) regional director for Canada spoke about how Jewish Federation and JAFI work together to connect Israel to our community, from the Shinshinim (volunteer teen emissaries) to funding programs in Israel to Aliyah services and more. COVID has taken a toll on Jewish communities around the world. Click here to see how JAFI is making sure isolation doesn’t win in South Africa.
 
Shaun Goldstone, director of strategic partnerships at the Jewish Distribution Committee (JDC), spoke about the very active role our Federation plays supporting Jewish communities in Siberia throughout the former Soviet Union. The JDC is a global organization that is our trusted partner in providing non-sectarian humanitarian relief in more than 60 countries, including in the former Soviet Union.
 
Next year to be seen, welcomed, and loved by all.
There's no need to wait until next year. This is something we can and should do now. Wednesday was International Trans Day of Visibility, and we want to take this opportunity to acknowledge our love for and our acceptance of our trans friends, family and community members. While many trans people are out and proud, many cannot be for reasons that include not feeling safe or comfortable. Being an effective ally takes work and is an ongoing learning process, but it is a process I am committed to. If you want helpful resources for yourself or a person you care about, JQT Vancouver and Keshet are two good places to start.  

Shabbat shalom.

Ezra S. Shanken
Chief Executive Officer