Jewish Federation of British Columbia

08/21/2026

In this week’s Shabbat message, we reflect on the many ways a strong community is built: through caring for those in need, advocating for the vulnerable, preserving our history, and investing in the future.

We share the next chapter for the Jewish Community Foundation of British Columbia, as it unveils a new name, refreshed visual identity, and new digital home at jewishcommunityfoundation.ca.

We also highlight Project Isaiah, Jewish Family Services’ annual community-wide food drive supporting individuals and families facing food insecurity, and the Jewish Seniors Alliance of British Columbia’s province-wide campaign to improve access to home support for seniors.

This week’s message also marks the International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism, shares CIJA’s national mobilization campaign with the Families of Canadian Victims of October 7, and invites the community to register for Witness to Munich: The Karen James Story.

Read the full Shabbat message here: jewishbc.ca/shabbat-message

08/21/2026

The silence was real. So was the response.

After we shared what it felt like when the truck moved through moments of silence at Pride, people responded with something powerful: a desire to show up.

“To see proud q***r Jews marching next year.”
“To join next year.”
“To march alongside us.”

That matters.

Because this campaign was never about stepping away from Pride. It was about making sure q***r Jewish voices were still seen, heard, and represented when many did not feel safe enough to march openly this year.

Our hope is simple: that next year, q***r Jews can return to Pride not because they changed who they are, but because Pride once again feels like a place where every part of who they are is welcome.

Jewish. Q***r. Proud.

Learn more and find support here: jewishbc.ca/pride

08/21/2026

A meaningful Shabbat morning on Salt Spring Island. 🌿💙

Join us for a special Shabbat morning prayer gathering with Rabbi Arik, followed by a kosher, vegetarian community potluck lunch.

Come as you are, slow down, connect, and enjoy Shabbat together in community.

📅 Saturday, August 29
🕥 10:30 a.m. | Arrive and settle in
🕚 11:00 a.m. | Shabbat morning prayer with Rabbi Erik
🥗 Following the prayer | Kosher, vegetarian potluck lunch
📍 SSI South End, exact location shared upon registration

Please bring a blanket or chair, a water bottle, and a kosher, vegetarian dish to share.

Registration is available at no cost, with optional paid tickets at $9, $18, $36, or $72 to help offset event expenses and support ongoing Jewish programming on Salt Spring Island. All proceeds from ticket sales will remain within the local community.

Register here: jewishbc.ca/community-calendar/shabbat-with-rabbi-erik

08/20/2026

Jewish. Q***r. Proud.

All three words belong together.

Q***r Jews should never feel like they have to hide one part of themselves to protect another. Pride should make room for the fullness of who people are — including Jewish identity.

This campaign is a reminder that q***r Jews are here, they matter, and they deserve spaces where they can feel safe, seen, and celebrated.

Explore community resources and Pride events here: jewishbc.ca/pride

CIJA CJPAC B'nai Brith Canada NCJW Vancouver Section Hillel BC Ben-Gurion University Canada Vancouver Pride Society

08/20/2026

A boatload of fun with the Squamish and Whistler communities. 🚤🌊

Join us for a memorable end-of-summer adventure on the water, bringing the Squamish and Whistler communities together for a morning of connection, coastal views, and fun.

We’ll set off from downtown Squamish for an early morning boat cruise across Howe Sound, making our way to Porteau Cove to visit the local sea lion colony and enjoy the breathtaking coastal scenery.

After the cruise, we’ll return to the docks for brunch together, the perfect way to relax, connect, and celebrate the season with friends old and new.

Date: Sunday, August 23
Time: 8:45 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
Location: Squamish, exact meeting location shared upon registration

Register here: https://ow.ly/UTnN50ZyCQi

08/19/2026

Visibility matters.

This year, Jewish Federation of British Columbia and CIJA participated in the Vancouver Pride Parade in a different way, with a digital truck carrying messages from and for q***r Jews.

The response was deeply meaningful.

Community members approached us throughout the parade to thank us for amplifying q***r Jewish voices, while the messages on the truck sparked powerful conversations online.

Most importantly, LGBTQ+ Jews shared that they felt seen, supported, and represented.

That is why this campaign mattered.

No one should have to choose between being Jewish and being LGBTQ+. No one should have to hide part of who they are in order to belong.

08/19/2026

Last chance to register! 🏃🏻‍♀️🏃🏼‍♂️🏃🏽‍♀️🏃🏼‍♀️

Tomorrow night. Rooftop. Cocktail attire. Jewish young adults. ✨🍸

AXIS Summer Social 2026 is almost here, and there’s still time to join us for a night out in downtown Vancouver.

Come for the food, drinks, rooftop vibes, and the chance to meet other Jewish young adults. No speeches, no formal program, just good people and a summer night together.

📅 Thursday, August 20
🕘 8:30 p.m.–12:00 a.m.
📍 Downtown Vancouver, exact location shared with registered guests 24 hours before the event
👥 Ages 20–33
🎟️ $25
🍹 Each ticket includes one complimentary drink
👔 Cocktail attire

Register here: jewishbc.ca/axis-summer-social

Powered by Jewish Federation of British Columbia

08/19/2026

End-of-summer picnic vibes with Kehila. ☀️🧺

Join Kehila for its annual End-of-Summer Picnic, a relaxing afternoon of delicious food, great company, and family-friendly fun in a beautiful outdoor setting.

Whether you’re reconnecting with old friends or meeting new ones, everyone is welcome to come celebrate the final days of summer together.

A catered lunch will be provided by Geffen Catering, so just bring your smiles and your summer spirit.

Date: Sunday, August 23, 2026
Time: 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Location: Victoria, exact location shared with registered participants

Register here: jewishbc.ca/community-calendar/splash-party-victoria

08/18/2026

Steak, whisky, and a night to unwind. 🥃🥩

Gentlemen, you’re invited to Men’s Night: Steak & Whisky, a special community gathering in Abbotsford.

Join us for an evening to connect, relax, share some laughs, and enjoy great conversation over a delicious dinner and a good pour.

Whether you’re a familiar face or joining us for the first time, this is a warm and welcoming opportunity to get to know the men of our community.

Date: Sunday, August 23
Time: 5:00 p.m.
Location: Abbotsford, exact location shared upon registration

Space is limited, so reserve your spot early.

Cancellation policy: No refunds will be issued for cancellations made within 7 days of the event.

Register here: jewishbc.ca/community-calendar/mens-night-abbotsford

08/18/2026

Pride should be a place where everyone can show up fully, safely, and without conditions.

For many q***r Jews, that has not felt true in recent years. At a time of rising antisemitism, some have felt pushed out of spaces that once promised belonging.

We look forward to a time when q***r Jews can march, celebrate, and be welcomed as their full selves again.

Until then, we will keep naming antisemitism, supporting our community, and working toward spaces where Jewish and LGBTQ+ identities are embraced together.

Learn more and find support here: jewishbc.ca/pride

CIJA CJPAC B'nai Brith Canada NCJW Vancouver Section Hillel BC Ben-Gurion University Canada Vancouver Pride Society