Doar Shalom: December 10, 2020 / 24 Kislev, 5781
Chanukah II and Shabbat Candle Lighting 3:55 pm
Havdalah and Chanukah III Candle Lighting: 5:09 pm
Parashat Vayeshev 5781 / פרשת וַיֵּשֶׁב
ב״ה
Weekly Reflection
Chanukah Candle Lighting: one to eight or eight to one?
An argument for the sake of heaven
This weeks reflection from Rabbi Marcia Prager [abridged], Dean of the Aleph Ordination Programs, sharing wisdom of Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi, founder of Jewish Renewal.
 
Babylonian Talmud Shabbat 21b: The House of Shammai says: On the first day we light eight, and gradually reduce. But the House of Hillel says: On the first day one is lit, and they are progressively increased. (The halachah follows Hillel.) Why the difference of opinion?
 
Shammai and Hillel differ on the question of where to begin.
 
We know that the Chanukah Candles are channels for Hidden Light that is the Original Light of Creation. This light floods goodness, blessing and holiness into our hearts and our world. Shammai says that when we are trying to let the Chanukah candles cleanse any last vestiges of anger or bitterness from our hearts so that we can be pure open channels for light and love, we need a zaftig burst of energy to get us started – a brilliant wave of loving, healing light to flush away any resistance. After that, every day it gets easier. Within a week, we have internalized the light so that our inner light has become strong. We acknowledge our progress towards increased internal light by decreasing external light. By the last night, a single flame is enough.
 
Hillel’s approach is to start slow. No need to dive into the deep end of the pool; that won’t work for everyone. The goal is the same, but the way to begin is with a first step in the right direction. Just light one candle. That is something everyone can do. Then, the next day, light two… then three… Stretch your heart open gradually and the result will last. When making a big change, take small but consistent steps, and soon your menorah will be full.
 
Which is “right?” Well…
 
The perspectives of Hillel and Shammai are called “arguments for the sake of heaven” because it is not about ego or being right, it is always about being our best, serving the highest good and serving God.
 
The halachah went according to the view of Hillel. But… Reb Zalman said: Sometimes we might need BOTH ways at the same time! Perhaps this year, give that approach a try!
 
Chag Urm Sameyach!
Chanukah 2020 Celebrations
Chanukah, our eight-day festival of light at the darkest time of the year, reminds us that it is our human task to kindle and foster hope and to tend the lights that warm and nurture our world. In the spirit of this holiday and in the spirit of our name, Or Shalom - Light of Peace, we reach out, each year, to honour the work of individuals who inspire, setting examples of resilience, sensitivity, and action as we seek avenues of tikkun - repair. Judaism mandates that a house of worship be built with windows so that we share the joys and sorrows of the greater community, so that we maintain connection and build bridges of cooperation and dialogue. We aspire to keep our window open wide, giving and receiving a flow of the light we all share as one humanity.

Hanukkah 2020 begins in the evening of Thursday, December 10h and ends in the evening on Friday, December 18th.
This program is in lieu of our regular 6PM Erev Shabbat Candle Lighting.

Join via Zoom. Meeting ID: 893 7422 4083
Passcode: 448230
You will receive a youtube link with your ticket purchase. Tickets are $18 or pay-what-you-can-afford.
Purchase your tickets here.
Rays of Hope, Part 1 & Part 2
Shining a Light on Bonnie Klein and Seth Klein

Rays of Hope honours mother and son, Bonnie Klein and Seth Klein, for setting examples of resilience, sensitivity, and action, for their contributions towards tikkun - repair, and for inspiring others.

This program is in lieu of our regular 7 PM Sunday Virtual Evening Minyan.
Part 1: Chanukah Light is suited for families with young children and starts with Bonnie Klein reading from her new book "Beep Beep Bubbie", Shining a Light on sensitivity to aging, and includes candle lighting at 7:30 pm.

Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 843 5551 1902
Passcode: 124175
Part 2: Shining a Light on Climate Justice starts at 7:30 pm with candle lighting and follows with an adult oriented talk by Seth Klein on his new book "A Good War: Mobilizing Canada for the Climate Emergency", sponsored by the Tikkun Olam Working Group.

Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 843 5551 1902
Passcode: 124175
Zoomidrash, led by Avi Dolgin

Best experienced on a desktop device with the latest Zoom.
No expertise in tech or Torah required! You don’t even need to speak!
But tonight – the Chanukah candles will shine new lights on Torah.
And we will celebrate together.

Zoom details:

Meeting ID: 863 0250 3704
Passcode: 416080
Upcoming Programs and Services
See our new Event Calendar for details and Zoom links for upcoming programs, services, and events.
  • Saturday, December 12, 10 am, Shabbat Chanukah (Parshat Vayeshev)
  • Saturday, December 19, 10 am, Simchat Mitzvah of Callum Whyte (Parshat Miketz)
  • Saturday, December 26, 9 am Torah Study and Abbreviated Davening (Parshat Vayigash)
Happenings:
Friday December 11 to Thursday December 17
Friday, December 11

1:00 pm
Friday Tehillim
- led by John Fuerst.
This Friday, we will daven the five psalms for healing, Psalms 20, 30, 121, 130 and 142. We will concentrate on Psalm 30 - a psalm traditionally associated with Chanukah. The text of these five psalms are available in Hebrew and English here. 
Join via Zoom. Meeting ID: 873 2214 6883; Password: 200901

7:00 pm
Chanukah Shabbat Soul
Chanukah Candle Lighting and Kabbalat Shabbat with Rabbi Hannah Dresner, Martin Gotfrit, and Wendy Rubin, and premier of the Or Shalom Virtual Choir, singing 'Oh Chanukah'!

Join via Zoom. Meeting ID: 893 7422 4083
Passcode: 448230 

Saturday, December 12

10:00 - 11:45 am
Shabbat Chanukah (Parshat Vayeshev)

P’sukei D'zimra- Tiferet Welch
Shacharit - Myrna Rabinowitz
Hallel - Nomi Fenson
Torah Service - Rabbi Hannah Dresner
D’var Torah - Mark Welch
Birkat Hachodesh - Rabbi Hannah Dresner
Zoom Shamash - Avril Orloff

Join via Zoom. Meeting ID: 810 4690 4137; Passcode: 050826

7:30 - 8:30 pm
Chanukah Light in Winter
- Featuring the Noah Gotfrit Duo. Livestreamed from the Bayit.
Purchase your tickets here.

Sunday, December 13

2:30 - 5 pm
B'Yachad
- with Matthew Gindin and Harriet Frost.
For registered Simchat-Mitzvah students.

7:00 - 8:45 pm
Rays of Hope Chanukah Celebration
Part 1: 7 pm Bonnie Klein will be reading from her new children's book "Beep Beep Bubbie", Shining a Light on sensitivity to aging

7:30 pm Or Shalom Virtual Choir singing 'Oh Chanukah' and Candle lighting.

Part 2: 7:40 pm Shining a Light on Climate Justice, Seth Klein will be discussing his new book "A Good War: Mobilizing Canada for the Climate Emergency", sponsored by the Tikkun Olam Working Group.

Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 843 5551 1902
Passcode: 124175

Monday, December 14

7 - 9 pm
Exploring Judaism Class 
- with Rabbi Hannah Dresner
For registered students.

Tuesday, December 15

7:30 - 8:30 pm
Zoomidrash
- led by Avi Dolgin

Chanukah candles will shine new lights on Torah.

Zoom details:

Meeting ID: 863 0250 3704
Passcode: 416080

Thursday, December 17

12:30 - 2:30 pm
Women's Heart Centered Torah Study
Parashat Miketz / פרשת מִקֵּץ
Beresh't/Genesis 41:1-44:17 
Email Dael to join: d.adams@telus.net

4:00 - 5:30 pm
Bright Lights
- with Matthew Gindin
For registered students (ages 6-9)
Sign up for a Slam Spot, and
Save the Date for Zusia
Darkness: A Koreh Open Mic

In the midst of this winter darkness, we invite stories that emerge from this period of gestation, slow becoming, and generative solitudes. For some of us this is a dark night of the soul, for others a time for an intensified interiority and its magic. We also welcome the darkly humorous, the absurd and the nonsensical aspects of journeying through this time.

Online application for a slam spot is required by Monday, December 14; notifications will go out on Friday, December 18. Apply for a spot here.

No registration is required to attend this event, all are welcome.

Join via Zoom
Meeting ID: 851 6908 0043
Passcode: 190099
Save the Date!

Instructor: Matthew Gindin
Prerequisite: None:
Dates: Tuesdays, January 12 – February 2, 2021
Time: 7-9 PM
Investment: Members $60 Non-Members $98
Registration opens on December 17.
Or Shalom Updates
Congratulations to Alex Leslie and Rhea Tregebov
Winners of the Western Canada
Jewish Book Awards
THE NANCY RICHLER MEMORIAL PRIZE FOR FICTION

RHEA TREGEBOV: Rue des Rosiers
A young Canadian woman’s search for her own identity brings her to Paris in 1982, and face to face with the terror of an age-old enemy. Sarah is the youngest of the three Levine sisters. At twenty-five, she is rudderless, caught in a paralysis which keeps her from seizing her own life.
When Sarah is fired from her Toronto job, a chance stay in Paris opens her up to new direction and purpose. But when she reads “death to the Jews” on the wall above her local Métro station, shadows from childhood rise again. As her path crosses that of Laila, a young woman living in an exile remote from the luxuries of 1980s Paris, Sarah stumbles towards an act of terrorism that may realize her greatest fears.
THE LOHN FOUNDATION PRIZE FOR POETRY

ALEX LESLIE: Vancouver for Beginners
In this collection, the nostalgia of place is dissected through the mapping of a city where readers are led past surrealist development proposals, post-apocalyptic postcards and childhood landmarks long gone. Vancouver for Beginners is a ghost story, an elegy, and a love song for a city that is both indecipherable and a microcosm of a world on fire. 
Share your ideas and your dreams for our holy community in 2021
Dear friends, 

We recognize that community engagement takes time and energy and makes us vulnerable.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts in the recent past, and for expressing your varied needs for Tefillah, learning, inclusion, community connection and connection to the Bayit. Your ideas and feedback provided during the Community Idea Jam and Dialogue this past August, and through our Summer and Fall ThoughtExchange initiatives has been invaluable. Your input has inspired us to adapt our services and offerings and continues to inform our planning. We offer a monthly Shabbat Morning Torah Study with Rabbis Susan Shamash and Hannah Dresner to address the desire for monthly gender-integrated Torah Study, and, now, a Contemplative Shabbat Davening to answer the desire for some meditation woven into our tefilah. We have made our Siddurim available to support your davening from home. To maintain connection with our Holy space we’ve set up to allow one bubble to Zoom their portion of the Shabbat service from the Sanctuary. We also regularly integrate breakout groups into our offerings to help foster a sense of connection. Further, the new Tikkun Olam Book Group is a direct outgrowth of our Idea Jam.

As we plan into 2021, we will continue to offer community forums for gathering your ideas and your dreams for our holy community. This Thoughtexchange will be open until sunset of Erev Shabbat (and first day of Chanukah) on December 11, 2020.

We look forward to hearing from you!
The Or Shalom Board.
AGM Summary - November 22, 2020
Motion to accept the minutes of the 2019 AGM. Moved Fran Goldberg, motion carried.

Rabbi Hannah Dresner gave a Kavannah and report, emphasizing the importance of community in supporting hope. She acknowledged all those who have contributed to building community, from which we draw resilience.

The co-chairs, David Kauffman and Martin Gotfrit, gave a report on the many challenges and successes of operating during the pandemic. They offered great thanks to staff members R. Hannah Dresner, Tracey Fagg, Tanya Hebron, and Matthew Gindin.

The financial officer, Paul McCurry, gave a report. Motion to accept the financial report, moved by Roz Kunin, passed unanimously.

Election of Directors: The board put forward a board-recommended list of nominees. There were no nominations via email, and nominations were declared to be closed.
Nominees:
Continuing: Dave Kauffman.
Renewing: Mark Drew, Abby Fitch, Martin Gotfrit, Paul McCurry, Rima Wilkes.
Retiring: Deborah Ross-Grayman, Roslyn Kunin, Mark Welch.
New: Alexis Kellum-Creer, John MacDonald, Dalia Margalit-Faircloth.
The nominees made speeches.
Call for acclamation of the nominees to the board, passed unanimously.
The first board meeting is scheduled for Wednesday November 25.

Business from the Floor:
A member asked the community about an anti-racism statement or policy, and about any related work. A board member suggested expanding the mandate of the Tikkun Olam committee regarding this matter.
A member praised the technological adaptation in response to pandemic conditions.

Future events: R. Hannah discussed some upcoming events.

Deep appreciation was expressed for Dave and Martin’s work as co-chairs.
Board Summary - November 25, 2020
This was the first meeting of the new board since the AGM on November 22.

The co-chairs gave a brief orientation for the new board members, including an overview of all the committees and working groups.

There was an election of Officers (Co-Chairs Martin, David; Secretary Abby; Financial Officer Paul).

Paul gave a Finance Update.

The co-chairs reported on important issues for the year, including: integrating new members and Exploring Judaism participants; communication with community without in-person events; conducting another Thoughtexchange: “What do you feel should be Or Shalom's priorities for 2021?”; Housing Task Force initiatives; ensuring that all Or Shalom events comply with provincial guidelines; transforming our education programming (especially for the 3-5 year old group) to safely meet our student’s needs while maintaining the programs’ vibrancy and attractiveness, adapting cultural programming (such as the “Light in Winter” concert series and the Koreh writer’s events) to the present situation; finding ways to mount COVID regulation-compatible simcha celebrations, life cycle events, and services.

There will be a board retreat on Sunday December 20.

There was a discussion about the building fund, and how expectations of member contributions are to be communicated to members.

John MacDonald will be the new board liaison to the Membership Committee.

The co-chairs reported on contract work provided by Mark Ryant as an AV technician. There was discussion about a possible contract with an organizational consultant connected to the community.

The next meeting will be Wednesday January 27.
The next book club will be on Sunday January 10, 2021 at 7:30 pm on "A GOOD WAR: MOBILIZING CANADA FOR THE CLIMATE EMERGENCY" by Seth Klein.
“Once emergencies are truly recognized, what seemed politically impossible and economically off-limits can be quickly embraced.” Seth Klein

A Good War is Canada’s blueprint for effectively tackling the climate crisis, transitioning to a zero-carbon society, and making these transformations in just and equitable ways.
Klein holds that the technology is largely ready to go, but what’s missing is the political will. He uses the example of how Canada rose to the challenges of World War II to demonstrate our country’s ability to act forthrightly and creatively in crisis. Importantly, Klein also discusses what the Second World War can teach us about reducing social inequality in the face of a crisis and the crucial role Indigenous people have played in both our wartime efforts and our current battles on climate change.
Click here for ways to get the book, ebook, or audiobook.
Chanukah fun for children and Tweens
Listen to Shira Kline, aka ShirLaLa, an award winning New York based performer and music educator, singing Five Little Latkes.
Click on the image above to watch Veronica Monica, an animated reporter, giving an eyewitness account of the story of Chanukah.
In case you missed it last week, PJ Library have put together a beautiful family guide for celebrating Chanukah for kids and Tweens. The guide includes stories, song, music and video, as well as ideas and additional resources for families. View the 2020 Quick Guide to Celebrating Chanukah With Kids.
Wild Garden
An online parent-led group looks at Jewish texts on parenting and discusses what’s really happening at home. Meets monthly on Thursdays 7:00pm


Email Matthew Gindin at learning@orshalom.ca to join.
  • A donation was made by Myrna Mannis to the Or Shalom Community Fund.
  • A donation was made by Avi Dolgin to the East Side Fund (Food Cards) in Honour of Michael Corber's ongoing humanity.
  • A donation was made by Sally Thorne & Mary Adlersberg to the Rabbi's Benevolent Fund in Honour of Motti Lis 75th birthday, and in recognition for all of the quiet things he does for our community.
  • A donation was made by Alvin Wasserman to the Building Fund.
  • A donation was made by Miriam Caplan to the Building Fund.
  • A donation was made by Richard Wassersug to the Building Fund.
  • A donation was made by Myrna and Barry Rabinowitz to the Or Shalom Community Fund in Honour of Michal’s mother, Lyn Fox z’l. May her memory be for a blessing.
  • A donation was made by Maurice Bloch and Susan Comay Bloch to the East Side Fund (Food Cards) in Honour of Dave Kaufmann for his wonderful dedication.
  • A donation was made by Dina-Hasida Mercy to the East Side Fund (Food Cards).
  • A donation was made by Roslyn Kunin to the Or Shalom Community Fund in Honour of the Gemilut Chesed committee, especially Harriett Lemer and Pat Gill for support received.
  • A donation was made by Kathy Brandon to the Or Shalom Community Fund in Honour of R'Hannah, all the Zoom shamashim, tech support, and all those behind the scenes who enable valuable programming!
  • A donation was made by Kathy Brandon to the East Side Fund (Food Cards).
  • A donation was made by Lorne Prupas to the East Side Fund (Food Cards) in Memory of my beloved father, Moshe Yitzhak's, Yahrzeit ז׳ל.
  • A donation was made by Jacqueline Levitin to the Or Shalom Community Fund in Honour of all the hard working Or Shalomniks who have been making COVID-19 more bearable and even joyous.
  • A donation was made by Jacqueline Levitin to the East Side Fund (Food Cards).
  • Donations were made by Jenny Virtue to the Or Shalom Community Fund and to the Or Shalom Building Fund.
  • Thank you to Frank Segal for organizing the Men's Torah Study Group on December 4.
  • Thank you to John Fuerst for leading Friday Tehillim on December 4.
  • Thank you to Sally Thorne for providing tech support during the Contemplative Shabbat Morning Prayer on December 5.
  • Thank you to Rabbi Susan Shamash for leading the More Talmud class on December 6.
  • Thank you to Harley Rothstein for leading Sunday Evening Minyan on December 6 and thank you to Helen Mintz for providing tech support.
  • Thank you to Dave Kauffman and Martin Gotfrit for setting up the A/V in the Bayit for our upcoming Chanukah celebrations.
Your tax-deductible donation to Or Shalom can be used to honour an accomplishment or life event, say thank you for a mitzvah or job well-done, or remember a loved ones passing.
Our sincere apologies if your name has inadvertently been missed. We still love you and appreciate all that you do! Please don't hesitate to contact the office office@orshalom.ca about an omission. We promise to acknowledged you in the next Doar.
Share your ideas and your dreams for our holy community in 2021
Donations to Or Shalom
Don't forget your end of year charitable tax contributions. You will receive a single receipt for all your 2020 donations by mail before the end of March 2021.

Winter Tzedakah Project
As in past years, Or Shalom is conducting a winter giving project which involves donating $10 gift cards to needy people in our neighbourhoods. These cards are redeemable for food at McDonald's restaurants.
As in the past, OrShniks are invited to participate in this worthwhile tzedaka opportunity. We will purchase the cards and distribute them on your behalf. Donations received before 01 Jan 2021 will qualify for 2020 CRA tax receipts and be greatly appreciated by the recipients, especially in these challenging times of Covid-19. You can make an online donation to the East Side Fund at Or Shalom's online donation page, either by cheque or by credit card.

Letter received from Vancouver Native Heath requesting McDonald gift cards

Hi Michael,

I hope this email finds you well. It is hard to imagine that this year is coming to an end, what a wild ride it has been. I hope you and your family have stayed well during these difficult times.
I am reaching out to inquire if you would be able to share any McDonalds gift cards with our team? As Christmas approaches and it gets cold out folks are struggling more and it is so nice to be able to give them the ability to warm up and have some yummy food. As always, we are very gracious for your kindness and generosity, and absolutely understand if this is not possible.
 
Kindly,
 
Karis Bergsma, RSW (pronouns she/her)
Social Worker - Healing Hands Pod
Vancouver Coastal Health
In the Larger Community
Harriet Frost and Martin Gotfrit will be performing in
"FIRE ON WAX" a Zoom Concert for Moishe House Harlem.
New York City.
 
Sunday morning December 13th from 10 am to 12 pm PST.

The Chanukah concert “Fire on the Wax” 
spreading the Ruach of Chanukah
Featuring Jewish musicians across the globe and ranging in genres and styles---TOP MUSICIANS-- Harriet Frost Gregory Frank, Nissim Black, Jake Smith (grammy award) and Dvir as MC and battle-rap. The styles range from hip hop, folk, alt-pop. Invite far and wide-- this is going to be fun! Also, the music video is just a taster for what's to come!

The Jewish Museum & Archives of BC in partnership with JQT Vancouver is embarking on “On the Record: The BC Jewish Queer & Trans Oral History Project” to record the history of Jewish queer and trans individuals from across the province as part of the Jewish Historical Society of BC's (JHSBC) overall oral history project to ensure the community archives are more inclusive.

Since 1971, the JHSBC has been conducting oral history interviews with community members to ensure that personal histories are collected and preserved for posterity. These interviews are catalogued and indexed, then made available for researchers by request through the JMABC offices. In January 2020, the JMABC has surpassed 900 oral history interviews recorded, and continues to add new interviews every month. 

If you identify as LGBTQ and are interested in participating in this project, or for more information, please contact Carmel Tanaka, Project Coordinator, carmel@jqtvancouver.ca.
Dear Or Shalom Friends,

Due to the pandemic, Yael and I have not had the chance to visit you this year. We think of you frequently, and we're grateful for the occasional opportunities to be in touch from our living room in the Northern California. Also due to the pandemic, the organization I serve in San Francisco, Bay Area Jewish Healing Center, is offering one of our premier grief support programs online this year. Grief and Growing, which Ross and Yael have both helped to run in years past, will take place via Zoom. So the bar is now much lower for Or Shalom members to participate.

Grief and Growing™ is a clinically-based, holistic, Jewish healing program uniquely designed to help individuals and families attend to their losses in community. Participants typically gain tangible support, comfort, and new tools in mourning for someone significant who has died.

There are two programs on offer this winter, one for adults, attending as individuals, couples, or families, and one specifically for families (the Redwoods Program) including participants 5-18 years old. Each program begins Saturday night and continues on Sunday:

Adult Program -- February 6-7, 2021 (applications closed on November 30)

Redwoods Program (Families with participants 5-18 years old) -- March 6-7, 2021

Applications are due by December 30, 2020 at 5:00pm. A $30 processing fee per family is due at the time of application.

This Grief and Growing™ link will take you to more information and the applications for the two respective programs. Space is limited, to allow us to provide individual attention and support to every participant. 

If you have any questions, feel free to call the Healing Center at +1-415-750-3436.

Warmly,
Rabbi Natan Fenner
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