JFS Uplifting Lives | Summer 2023

BUILDING LANGUAGE SKILLS WITH FOOD

Language skills play a vital role in the integration and success of newcomers who arrive to a new country. Language barriers often pose significant challenges for those wanting to adapt and thrive in their new environment.

Recognizing the important connection between language and food, JFS has had the opportunity to participate in two remarkable initiatives in which newcomers are being connected with the local community through shared experiences of language learning, cooking, and cultural exchange.

The JFS Kitchen, in collaboration with the BC Centre for Disease Control, offered the Food Skills for Families program, led by Lina Arias and JFS Chef Zoe. This initiative welcomed a group of Ukrainians, primarily women and their children, who left their homes in search of a better life in Canada.

The six-week program served as a platform for participants to learn about the Canadian food

system and develop culinary skills while also practicing conversational English in a supportive and encouraging environment.

Jenell Parsons, Founder of The Pie Hole, has also taken a proactive approach to assist newcomers in her community. In addition to running her pie shop, she hosts pie-baking classes for individuals struggling to find available English courses.

She recently organized a session for a group of newcomers from Ukraine who were unable to access English language programs. By teaching the classes in English, Jenell not only teaches

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“I feel like I get just as much from these classes, meeting such wonderful people, hearing their stories and getting to bond over delicious pies!”

- Jenell Parsons, Founder, The Pie Hole

“ ”

Don’t miss the 2021/2022 JFS Community Impact Report!

Scan the QR code to read it online, or go to: jfsvancouver.ca/ annual-reports

BUILDING CONT’D

baking techniques but also encourages the participants to practice their own language skills.

This unique approach empowers newcomers by fostering confidence in their language abilities and she hopes that other local businesses will follow suit to provide innovative ways for newcomers to learn English.

The connection between language learning and food is a powerful tool for empowering newcomers and facilitating their integration into society. In an inspiring effort to bridge this gap, initiatives like these are creating a more inclusive and supportive society that helps newcomers to thrive in their new home.

Scan the QR code or go to bit.ly/piehole to view a video of one of the Pie Hole classes.

GAINING NEW WAYS TO COMMUNICATE

The JFS Tablet Learn & Loan program offers older adults without access to a computer or the internet a new way to connect with others. The tablets are equipped with data and pre-loaded apps and ready to go.

One program participant, Rita, shared with us how the program has transformed her life over the past year.

“When I met you a year ago I was a little depressed, and still thinking about my husband who had passed away. This program gave me something to do and a way to communicate with other people. I learned how to be in touch with my relatives in Israel, how to listen to music, and how to connect with other friends.”

In addition to increasing her ability to connect with loved ones, Rita is also using the tablet to improve her selfsufficiency in her daily life. In her apartment building, the only way to communicate with maintenance is online. Rita is proud that she can now put maintenance requests for her own apartment. “It was a big help.”

When they enter the program, seniors are matched with a volunteer Tech Mentor who supports their learning. Together, they set goals and work at the client’s pace. Rita raves that her volunteer was truly wonderful. “My volunteer was great and taught me so many things that I asked to learn. It means so much to me that I had a volunteer who was so patient.”

“This tablet program has been the best thing that ever happened to me in Canada. This was truly a beautiful program and I feel so lucky! To everyone at JFS who helped me, I am so grateful from the bottom of my heart.”

To learn more about the Tablet Learn & Loan program, contact Samara Bordan at sbordan@jfsvancouver.ca.

PREPARING A GENERATION

With food insecurity on the rise in the Lower Mainland, the Food Lab partnership between JFS and Richmond Jewish Day School (RJDS) has played a pivotal role in empowering kids through hands-on learning.

With guidance from Chef Zoe Sorokin, students in grades 4 to 7 participate in the monthly sessions. The students are eager to get in the kitchen and learn essential cooking techniques, food safety skills, and how to use plant-based ingredients in a delicious and nourishing way.

Introducing children to cooking and food preparation at this age helps equip them with healthier eating habits. The sessions have allowed students to navigate the kitchen together with Chef Zoe and make informed choices about food. Students are introduced to new veggies and new uses for known produce, and are developing an appreciation for using wholesome ingredients.

Q&A

Brent Davis, Associate, ZLC Financial

Q: How did you first get involved with JFS?

A: I have been ingrained in the Vancouver Jewish community from early childhood. Early in my career, I was asked to provide financial literacy sessions to JFS clients and new immigrants. I deeply enjoyed these sessions as I could tell my contribution made a meaningful impact to their lives and financial outcomes.

Q: What are some of the other initiatives you’ve been a part of?

A: I’ve done a lot of committee work with JFS. During COVID, I was also periodically helping drive meals to seniors. To see the impact of this program on the community first-hand was truly inspiring.

Q: What is unique about the Young Professionals Committee?

A: In early adulthood, we are still trying to write our path. As future leaders in the community, it’s very important to understand the real challenges impacting our community and how we can help make a genuine difference. Later on, I want to look back on my life and know that I took the time to reciprocate the support I received to achieve my own successes.

The food skills they’re gaining also help them to become more self-sufficient, creating a ripple effect that strengthens food security at a broader level.

The program’s food literacy extends past the kitchen. Students harvest some of their ingredients from their school garden, giving them a sense of the connection between food, agriculture, and the environment. The holistic curriculum results in students understanding the impact of their choices on the environment, and fosters a sense of responsibility and stewardship.

By nurturing healthy habits, enhancing food literacy, and fostering self-sufficiency, this program is a key ingredient to empower these children to build a sustainable and secure food future for themselves and the world.

Q: How does your work with ZLC impact your contributions to the community?

A: Garry Zlotnik has been a great mentor of mine. As a firm, we believe businesses have a responsibility to positively impact their community. I intend to serve my community for the rest of my life and I’m extremely fortunate that it is easy to weave it into my professional initiatives as well. Please reach out and find out how you can get involved with JFS. There is room for contribution of any kind. I promise you won’t regret it.

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AT SEDERS

Don’t forget to order your Shana Tova cards! The last day for ordering before Rosh Hashanah is September 7.

This year, in addition to Passover hampers and Seder-in-a-Box meals, your Passover donations also gave the gift of connection and memories with family and friends through JFS Seder Get-Together Grants. Families who received the grant graciously sent photos and highlights to share just what it meant to be able to gather together this year.

“This year Passover had much more sense and power in light of that war in Ukraine, very close spiritually.

We started with the story of Passover. My son explained the rationale of Passover this way: ‘The journey from slavery to freedom is one we need to travel in every generation. So we were commanded to gather our families together every year at this time and tell the story of what it was like to be a slave and what it felt like to go free.’

Keep an eye out for our annual food drive, Project Isaiah, September 15 - 25, 2023. This year, multiply your donation x3 by donating online!

Questions? Contact the Development Department at 604.257.5151 or email development@jfsvancouver.ca.

After dinner, we told more stories, this time all about our beloved Ukraine and that horrible miserable war, and the incredible strength and courage of Ukrainian people and their love for freedom and unbeatable and unstoppable fight for their independence and for their beautiful country Ukraine.

Those stories occupied us the whole evening until late into the night.” -- Vera, Seder Get-Together Grant recipient

Shared meals don’t just feed the body, they nourish the soul and allow us to continue our mission to repair the world.

WELCOMING NEURODIVERSITY

With the support of JFS, Temple Shalom has opened the first Sensory Shabbat Program in BC. The new program offers an inclusive and welcoming way for individuals and families to participate in Shabbat and High Holiday services.

The sanctuary environment can be overstimulating for those with neurodiverse diagnoses such as ASD or ADHD. When Ula Teicher told Rabbi Dan how their family struggles with feeling isolated from the Jewish community because of the sensory overwhelm their son experiences, she revealed a growing need in the community.

The “Sensory Room” is equipped with regulating tools, dimmable lights, a variety of seating options, and a small screen and headphones so that families can follow the services. There are also a variety of regulating tools for use in the sanctuary.

The free program is available every Saturday for the 10am service, no registration required. For more info, contact Elana van Veen at elana@templesholom.ca.