Fraytik tsu Nakht Cultural Shabbes & Potluck

Fraytik tsu Nakht Cultural Shabbes & Potluck is open to all, beginning with our community's Secular Humanist Shabbes observance (songs and readings) followed by a potluck dinner and, after dinner, the first ever screening of the Four Pillars of Peretz short documentary film.

Made with love, Four Pillars of Peretz is a new project honouring the special energy, passion, and chutzpah of four women who played an integral role in the Peretz Centre's 80 year history. Sadly no longer with us, Gallia Chud, Claire Klein Osipov, Sylvia Friedman, and Bluma Field were fixtures of Fraytik tsu Nakht shabbes dinners and this month, we honour them and their continued impact and presence in our community. This screening is part of our 80th anniversary celebration and will include a discussion after the film to reflect on the many fascinating aspects of Vancouver's secular, progressive Jewish history, and the preservation of Yiddishkayt.

Our community shabbes event is open to members and friends of all ages. During the film screening, there will be an alternative hang-out space for kids organized by the Peretz Child Activities Committee.

Friday, November 14th, 6-9pm

Ben & Gallia Chud Auditorium at the Peretz Centre

6184 Ash Street, Vancouver

➤   How to Get Here / Building & Accessibility Information

Free street parking and underground parking available (elevator access).

Doors will open at 6pm (event starts at 6:30pm); the film screening and discussion will start around 8pm (with dessert, coffee, tea).

Admission: a contribution to the pot luck OR pay $18.00 per person (children are free) OR select the "Just coming for the movie" ticket to join during dessert/after dinner ($10.00).

Please register by Monday, Nov. 10th to help us make sure there's enough food for everyone.

This month's after dinner learning:

Four Pillars of Peretz Film Screening

Four Pillars of Peretz is a rollicking celebration of four women—Bluma Field, Sylvia Friedman, Claire Klein Osipov and Gallia Chud—and their invaluable contributions to Vancouver's Peretz Centre for Secular Jewish Culture. As the Peretz marks its 80th anniversary, this short film explores the important roles these women and the Centre played (and continue to play) in preserving Yiddish culture while providing an inclusive place for Vancouver's secular Jewish community.

Relying on interviews with their families and Peretz members, photographs, and other archival materials, the film is an oral history of the Peretz and these four pillars of the community. Though they were not the only ones who worked tirelessly behind the scenes, they shared a unique bond. Together their contributions—from Vancouver Jewish Folk Choir to Canadian Jewish Outlook Magazine and more—were integral to the Centre’s existence, laying the foundations for future generations. The film aims to be celebratory and insightful, funny, quirky and, like Bluma, Claire, Sylvia and Gallia, full of chutzpah.

Watch the trailer:

Donate to support the film project here

We thank the filmmaker Michael Kissinger and the generous donors, including the families and friends of Gallia, Sylvia, Claire, and Bluma, for their time and support in the making of this documentary.