TODAY IS THE DAY! Canadian voting for the World Zionist Congress is live!

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Want the TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read)?

• The World Zionist Congress forms every five years to set the budget of the World Zionist Organization (including funding for the JNF and the Jewish Agency). That is $5-billion (US) over the next five years!
• The election in Canada will determine the distribution of 19 seats in the WZC
• ARZA Canada is one of nine Canadian slates running for representation in the WZC
• The more votes the more seats!
• This is our chance as Diaspora Jews to have our say in determining the values by which this congress makes its allocations. Vote for Reform values: a secure and democratic Israel, religious pluralism, and equality
• Voting starts today and will run from June 5-15 - it only takes $2 and 2-minutes of your time.
• Please click the button below to register and Vote Reform - ARZA Canada (Slate #2)
• Share widely with your circle of friends!

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‍Looking for more information?
We’ve got you covered, including a FAQ below

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Learn more about ARZA-Canada’s Platform and Slate HERE
We are proud that six of the ARZA Canada delegates on the Vote Reform slate are Temple Sholom members.

• Cantor Shani Cohen
• Rabbi Carey Brown
• Yael Schechter
• Shirley Hyman
• Dani Levenson
• Judah Moskovitz

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Need help voting?
Here is a step-by-step “How to Vote” Video

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Follow and Share Temple Sholom’s social media feeds
We will be posting a new video every day of the campaign to remind everyone what is at stake
Temple Sholom Facebook
Temple Sholom Instagram

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VOTE! Share it with your friends! Spread the word.

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FAQ

Why should I vote?
The vision of Israel as a democratic, pluralistic state currently faces historic challenges. Ultra-Orthodox rabbis and extreme politicians control key levers of power and aim to relegate non-Orthodox Jews, women, LGBTQ+ Israelis, and ethnic minorities to secondary status.

By voting, you can act now to help secure Israel as a democratic state. Your vote directly impacts resources and funding for non-Orthodox synagogues, rabbis, values, and advocacy. We need YOU to help ensure religious pluralism, women’s rights, LGBTQ+ inclusion, and a path to peace.

What is the difference between Vote Reform - ARZA Canada and other progressive slates on the ballot (Hatikvah, Mercaz)?
We share so many important values with groups also focused on championing progressive Zionism. But in addition, the Reform movement (ARZA) not only has a vision, it also has the capability to implement the vision.

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The Vote Reform / ARZA Canada slate has successfully and consistently represented Reform values in the WZC for decades. Because Reform has been one the larger factions in the WZC, we have been  uniquely situated within the infrastructure of Israel’s national institutions to stand up against far-right extremism. Our work has proven crucial in defending a secure and democratic Israel:  

• We ensured that over $4,000,000 (US) a year ($20 million (US) over 5 years) goes to the Reform movement in Israel, allowing it to significantly expand its reach.  
• Our leaders have stood up for a secure Israel, directly preventing settlement building and advancing policies that align with our values.  
• We have passed key resolutions for equality, transparency, and pluralism.  
• We helped guarantee LGBTQ+ rights for same-sex partners of fallen soldiers.  
• We have fought against   discrimination of  marginalized groups in Israeli society through the Israel Religious Action Center, representing up to 500 people a year in court.  

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Who is eligible to vote?
All voters must be:

• 18 years of age and older
• Self-identify as Jewish
• Canadian citizens or permanent residents

One does not have to be a member of Temple Sholom or ARZA Canada to vote in the election!

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Why do I have to pay to vote?
The $2.00 registration fee simply covers the costs of the elections. It is not used by ARZA Canada or any other entity for any other purpose.

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How do I know if my vote is counted?
After voting, you’ll receive a confirmation email to ensure your vote has been successfully recorded.

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Have more questions or need help voting?
Reach out to Rabbi Brown or Shirley Hyman, Temple Sholom’s ARZA-Canada chair, for more information!

1. To review and approve minutes from the June 4, 2024 AGM.
2. To receive and consider financial statements for the fiscal year ending April 30, 2025.
3. To receive, consider and if advisable, approve the budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year.
4. To receive and consider the Directors’ report.
5. To nominate and elect Directors-at-Large and Officers.
   
   Slate for the 2025-26 Board of Directors:
   
   Board Officers (Executive Committee)
   Amy Frankel, President                                          
   Kim Werker, First Vice-President                        
   Jesse Halperin, Second Vice President                
   Lance Howitt, Third Vice President                      
   Daniel Gumprich, Treasurer                                
   Maria Pontikis-Zwick, Secretary
   Daniel Steiner, Immediate Past President
   
   Directors-at-Large (continuing)
   David Albert
   David Beckow
   Mathew Levenson
   Alison Setton
   Cyndi Ankenman
   Michelle Plotkin
   Sandi Cooper
   
   Directors-at-Large (new for 2025-2026)
   William Lachman
   Jeff Witten
   Melina Baum Singer
   
6. To receive and consider the Clergy’s annual reports.
7. To transact such other business which may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment(s) thereof.

To join the group, or for further information, contact the Co-Coordinators, Dale Wormeli or Barbara Brezer.

To join the group, or for further information, contact the Co-Coordinators, Dale Wormeli or Barbara Brezer.

As we celebrate Shabbat and beautiful Vancouver, let’s gather as a Temple Sholom family on Spanish Bank Beach for a festive and spiritual Shabbat experience.

Bring a blanket and your own picnic dinner.

6:00 PM: PICNIC DINNER (BYO)

6:45 PM: SERVICE

‍*NO 8:00 pm Service at Temple Sholom this evening.