October 7th, 2023 was just a regular day in the lives of many communities. October 7th was a day that changed everything in ours.
With the arrival of new Israeli members, shifts in the political landscape, and the challenges faced by our low-income community, we continue to see rising fear and anxiety within our Jewish community. The results of our recent assessment underscored a need for mental health resources to address the emotional toll of ongoing antisemitism, discrimination, and racism. Now, more than ever, it's crucial that we come together to support one another and provide the care our community needs to heal and thrive.
In response to this need, JFS has developed a new project, “The Living Room”, made possible with funding from United Way BC.
Designed as safe spaces for people across the spectrum of life ages and stages -- from 18-80 and beyond -- The Living Room offers support for those struggling with the rise in antisemitism, or those impacted directly or indirectly by the war in Israel.
The Living Room focuses on skill-building through mindfulness, understanding fear and trauma, managing stress, responding to racism or antisemitism, while enhancing personal safety.
Led by compassionate mental health professionals fluent in both Hebrew and English, The Living Room offers a safe space for participants to connect and share their personal experiences. This program encourages individuals to open up about the emotional toll of antisemitism—fear, worry, anger, and the complexities that accompany these feelings—while fostering a sense of belonging and resilience.
At times like these, we remember the importance of sharing the culture of care with each other. By building these individual skills and resilience, we strengthen our whole community.
Upcoming Living Room Opportunities
October 7 | 12:30 - 2:30 pm at Hillel House, UBC
A facilitated discussion for students.
Free. No registration is required for this event.
October 7 | 6:00 - 9:00 pm at the Community Memorial Service
The Rabbinical Association of Vancouver and Jewish Federation invite you to come together as a community for a Memorial service in honour of the victims of October 7th.
Throughout and after the ceremony, there will be a Living Room circle with English, Hebrew, Russian, and Ukrainian speaking facilitators.
Free. Registration is required to attend the Community Memorial Service. RSVP online.
Please note that enhanced security measures will be in place for everyone's safety. Location and live-stream link will be shared closer to date.
October 9 | 6:30 - 8:30 pm at the Teen Lounge at the JCC
A facilitated circle that is open to everyone. Light refreshments provided
Free. Pre-registration is required. RSVP online.
October 10 | 12:30 - 2:30 at the Boardroom at the JCC
A facilitated circle that is open to everyone. Light refreshments provided.