May 10, 2024 / Iyar 2, 5784

Shabbat Begins 8:25 p.m. Shabbat Ends: 9:43 p.m.

NEVER FORGET

Yom HaShoah is a solemn occasion observed to commemorate the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust, as well as the millions of other individuals who perished under Nazi persecution during World War II. This day serves as a poignant reminder of the atrocities committed during the Holocaust, including the systematic genocide of Jews and the destruction of countless lives, families, and communities.

At a student-led assembly, Cantor Orzech joined us again this year to chant El Maleh Rachamim, the prayer for the souls of the departed. Thank you, Cantor Orzech!

We were honoured to have Holocaust survivor, Professor Peter Suedfeld, share his story. With the passing years, it is so important we hear first-hand from the survivors who remain with us. Their stories of resilience, perseverance, and hope stand as testaments to the enduring power of the human spirit and the unwavering light of Jewish identity.

We concluded our Yom Hashoah assembly with a reminder to never forget the six million lives lost. Let us honour their memory by carrying forward their stories and their unwavering hope for a better tomorrow. May their memories be a blessing, and may we continue to strive for a world of tolerance, understanding, peace and hope.

Thank you to Orly Naim, Jewish Life and Student Engagement Leader, and Grade 12 students Jamie Chelin, Marina Gass Groisman, and Jacob Porte. A special thank you to Music teacher, Johnny Seguin and Grade 12 student, Luca Jeffrey, for their soulful musical performance.

WE WILL REMEMBER

In honour of Yom Hashoah (Vancouver Holocaust Remembrance Day), our Grade 8 and Grade 9 students engaged in an educational experience this week. Led by the Vancouver Holocaust Education Centre, they participated in a tour and workshop titled "Age of Influence - Youth and Nazi Propaganda". This educational session encompassed an introduction, group activities, and an interactive workshop.

The exhibition shed light on the Nazi regime's endeavors to sway the opinions of young Germans. Through this workshop, students were encouraged to scrutinize both the content and methods employed by Nazi propagandists in shaping the beliefs and minds of youth.

TAKING ADVANTAGE OF THE SUNSHINE!

King David students embarked on some incredible adventures! Grade 10 hit the Seawall for a scenic bike ride, soaking in the beauty of our city! Grade 11 spent an action-packed day at SOLE Outdoor Camp in Squamish, BC, bonding over thrilling team-building activities. And a group of Grade 12 students conquered the rugged Juan de Fuca trail on Vancouver Island, pushing their limits! Way to go, King David adventurers!

A short stop on the Grade 10 biking field trip along the Stanley Park Seawall.

Grade 11 Teambuilding at Camp SOLE in Squamish

A group of adventurous Grade 12 students conquered the rugged Juan de Fuca trail on Vancouver Island

RECOGNIZING STAFF YEARS OF SERVICE

King David is proud to recognize the dedication and commitment of its long-serving staff members. As we celebrate milestones of 5, 10, 15, and 20 years of service, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Justine Folk, Megan Neary, Abby Remick, and Kathy Zhang (all 5 years), Matthew Dichter, Janice Liknaitzky, and Esther Mogyoros (all 10 years), Rabbi Stephen Berger (15 years), and retiring teacher Julie Lane for 20 years (save the date: June 20 for a night celebrating Miss Lane)! Their unwavering dedication to our students and their invaluable contributions to our school community is so appreciated. Their passion and commitment are the foundation of King David's success, and we look forward to many more years of working together to inspire and educate future generations.

Absent: Matthew Dichter and Justine Folk

MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS WEEK

Mental Health Awareness Week, created a time for our community to unite and emphasize self-care and mental well-being. Each day this week focused on a different theme:

Taking Care Tuesday: We began with self-care rituals and focused on physical health through nourishing meals and regular breaks.
We Belong Wednesday: Connecting with others, engaging in group activities, and celebrating diversity and inclusion were at the heart of this day.
Thoughtful Thursday: Gratitude, empathy, and kindness towards ourselves and others were practiced and encouraged.
Mind Full Friday: Mindfulness activities such as yoga and nature walks allowed us to reflect on experiences without judgment.

We ended the week with an assembly planned and led by Grade 10 students, Alexis Bordan, Natasha Shmulevich, and Sharon Tanne. King David's week-long journey to learn and incorporate mental health strategies focused on this year’s theme of kindness and compassion. We will continue to support one another, break the stigma, and prioritize mental health and well-being. Mental health awareness is not just for one week—it's something to prioritize every day.

JOIN THE FUN! SILENT AUCTION IS NOW LIVE!

Bid on Items Here

IDF FUNDRAISER

In response to the ongoing conflict in Israel, our students have organized a T-shirt Fundraiser.

All proceeds from the sales will go to the IDF.

T-shirts can be purchased from the school.

$18 per T-Shirt.

Questions: Contact Orly Naim

Buy T-shirts Here

SHABBAT SHALOM

ACTION REQUIRED: THANK THE CITY OF VANCOUVER FOR LIGHTING UP BLUE AND WHITE

On May 14th, Vancouver City Hall and Burrard Street Bridge are scheduled to be lit up blue and white, as they have in previous years, in recognition of “Israel's 76th Independence Day”.

The City is under some pressure to cancel this year, and they need to feel the positive support from our community.

CALL TO ACTION: We need your help. We need you to act today.

Send the emails. Make the phone call. Share with your networks. Let’s go.

Sample Messages and Contact Information can be found here

WE NEED YOU THERE!

As a community, we continue to hold rallies every Sunday at 2:00 p.m. at the Vancouver Art Gallery.

#BRINGTHEMHOME

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Click the image for more information

Chutzpah! Festival's urgent fundraising is gaining momentum! Help keep the stage lights on for Jewish & intersectional performing arts in Vancouver. Over 30% of the goal has been reached, let's get to 50% by mid-May! Please give if you can.

Learn more & donate Learn more & donate here.

Kind Mind Festival

Saturdays, May 11 and May 18

In partnership with BC Children's Hospital Foundation and the Tsawwassen Mills Mall, The Kelty Foundation presents The Kind Mind Festival to raise awareness of child and youth mental health.

Details here.