Synagogue Sketches of the Western World

Synagogue Sketch Ben Levinson 700 1.2

Join Ben Levinson on Thursday, September 5, 2019, 7 – 9 pm at the opening reception for his exhibition of “Synagogue Sketches of the Western World” at Congregation Emanu-El Wings of Peace Gallery. The event is free and Ben will be available to tell what he learned from walking tours at each of these buildings. Bring your friends and have a chat while you are introduced to the history of these synagogues. The exhibition will be open for viewing from September 4 – 20, 2019, Tuesday to Friday from 10 am – 3 pm.

Ben Levinson and his wife Carla have been Congregation Emanu-El members since 1966 when they moved to Victoria at the start of his architectural career on Vancouver Island. Over the years while travelling throughout western countries, they always managed to visit synagogues. Ben, who has been drawing, painting and sculpting most of his life, always had his sketch pad and pen ready to capture his visual impression of these synagogues. A few months ago Carla was flipping through these sketch books and suggested that Ben organize many of these drawings. This September exhibition “Synagogue Sketches of the Western World” is a culmination of those many art works.

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JFVVI seeks Executive Director

JFVVI Logo large blue

The Jewish Federation of Victoria and Vancouver Island (JFVVI) is seeking an Executive Director. The Executive Director is the sole employee of the Jewish Federation of Victoria and Vancouver Island (JFVVI) and is a part-time position with flexible hours.

The successful candidate will have the following skills or the ability to learn:

  • Business administration, public administration or communications or marketing
  • Experience with day to day bookkeeping entries and running financial reports using  Quickbooks and Excel
  • Working with the Board of Directors and reporting to the President
  • Experience with Social Media
  • Email distribution software (Constant Contact), CRM (Customer Relations Management)
  • Coordination with Government and Community Agencies or Organizations
  • Ability to set time lines for special events and projects
  • A deep understanding and sensitivity to Jewish Heritage, Culture and community dynamics

If you are interested in applying for or obtaining additional information, please email:
executive@jewishvancouverisland.ca or email Selma at archie4@shaw.ca  or call (250) 588-3947  before August 30, 2019

A Little Crazy: Bēma at the Fringe

A Little Crazy - NL BemaBēma Productions is thrilled to present their fifth Victoria Fringe Festival production, the comedy “A Little Crazy” written by Joseph Reed Hayes, directed by Zelda Dean and performed by Toshik Bukowiecki & Michael Rodgers.  All performances take place at Congregation Emanu-El, 1461 Blanshard Street, Victoria.

Thursday August 22, 7 pm
Sunday August 25, 2 pm
Monday August 26, 7 pm
Tuesday August 27, 7 pm
Wednesday August 28, 7 pm
Thursday August 29, 7 pm
Sunday September 1, 2 pm

TICKETS: $11 are available online from at victoriafringe.com or ticketrocket.co or in person at Ticket Rocket Lounge: 10 am–5 pm, Monday to Friday at 1050 Meares Street and at Fringe HQ beginning August 20: noon–7 pm daily at 2–1609 Blanshard (at Fisgard, across from Romeo’s), or at the door.

Joy Wilkins Baruḥ Dayan HaEmet

Joy Wilkins October 2018It is with a very heavy heart that I write to tell the community that Joy WIlkins died Monday July 29, 2019.

Most of the members of Congregation will not have known Joy, but anyone who has had a loved one buried in our cemetery or have come to visit the cemetery will have likely met Joy. She was the partner of our caretaker, Geoffrey Perkins, and like Geoff, carried a deep and abiding love for the cemetery, its history, its beauty, and the community it serves. Continue reading Joy Wilkins Baruḥ Dayan HaEmet