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May 16, 2008
Celebrating local milestone
The Jewish community marks 150 notable years in the province.
RON FRIEDMAN
Have you ever dreamed of going back in time and experiencing the formative events that shaped our community? Over the course of 150 years, the Jewish community of British Columbia has known its share of significant moments and colorful characters. Some of these were brought to life May 1 in the Wosk Auditorium at the Jewish Community Centre of Greater Vancouver (JCCGV), during the Jewish Museum and Archives of British Columbia's first anniversary celebration.
The history of B.C. Jews began in 1858, when Alexander Philips walked off the steamer Panama and onto the streets of Victoria. Like many other travellers, he was enticed to the region by the prospect of striking gold in what came to be known the Cariboo Gold Rush. Since that time, the Jewish community has grown and flourished, and several of the community's more memorable historic moments were recreated in performances put on by the Kol Halev ensemble under the guidance of artistic producer Sue Cohene. From the 1866 Temple Emanuel Annual Ball and the 1937 Golden Jubilee, to Camp Hatikvah in the 1960s, the group brought alive the Jewish history of British Columbia through song, dance and reenactment – but the performance wasn't limited to the stage. Throughout the celebratory evening, performers mingled with the crowd, in full costume and character, bringing to the present day community founders like Avrum and Toby Nemetz, Louise Mahrer and David Oppenheimer.
Aside from the entertainment, those present could also participate in a silent auction, where they could bid on items ranging from original artwork to a weeklong Maui vacation. Attendees were also urged to help realize the museum's "wish list," which included items like computers, a digital camera and audio recorders.
"The museum is important, but it doesn't fund itself," said treasurer Michael Levy. He also said that the museum is only in the early stages of development and must prove itself before becoming eligible for special government grants.
The Jewish Museum and Archives of British Columbia was opened in March 2007 by the Jewish Historical Society of British Columbia. Located on the third floor of the JCCGV, it provides a platform for both permanent and travelling exhibits. In its mandate is a commitment to the delivery of learning opportunities for both children and adults. Through the work of the museum, students have a chance to learn all about Jewish settlement in Western Canada and the development of the community and its
heritage. "It is an intrinsically fascinating narrative, one worth knowing for its own sake and also as part of the Canadian multicultural story," said education coordinator Greg Robinson.
Co-president of the Jewish Historical Society, Gary Averbach, complimented the event committee and the volunteers for the work they put into making the evening a "great success."
Upcoming events organized by the museum include a culinary bicycle tour in June of Greater Vancouver's Jewish restaurants, bakeries and delicatessens and a guided walking tour of Vancouver's old Jewish neighborhoods of Strathcona and Gastown in July and August.
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