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The Peretz Centre for Secular Jewish Culture in Vancouver, BC was founded in 1945 to provide students of all ages with a progressive and modern Jewish cultural education. Welcome Coming Up Register for Programs Subscribe Notices The Peretz Centre for Secular Jewish Culture We believe in a diverse, connected, and engaged Judaism that contributes to a just and compassionate world. Sign up for our newsletter 6184 Ash Street, Vancouver, BC info@peretz-centre.org Get Directions Reflections on the Peretz Jewish Anti-Racism Taskforce Nearly a year after the project began, the Peretz Jewish Anti-Racism Taskforce shares practical policy recommendations to help our community take meaningful action against racism, antisemitism, and colonialism in pursuit of a better and more beautiful world for all. Jun 23 7 min read Peretz Membership Endorses the "We're Better Together" Campaign in Support of Migrant Rights At the Peretz Centre's Annual General Meeting on Sunday, January 25th, 2026, the membership unanimously voted to endorse the "We're Better Campaign" to counter rising anti-immigrant sentiment and divisive rhetoric from politicians, and to demonstrate and grow public support for immigrants and refugees in Canada. Jan 29 3 min read 1/3 See all updates Upcoming Events Sun, Jul 12 East and West: A Yiddish Kino & Shmues / See Event Jul 12, 2026, 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Peretz Centre for Secular Jewish Culture, 6184 Ash St, Vancouver, BC V5Z 3G9, Canada Watch the classic Yiddish film East and West (1923) with other Yiddish learners and shmooze afterwards! Event Series Fri, Aug 28 Youth-led Fraytik tsu Nakht Cultural Shabbes & Potluck / See Event Aug 28, 2026, 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Peretz Centre for Secular Jewish Culture, 6184 Ash St, Vancouver, BC V5Z 3G9, Canada For this special summer community event, our monthly Secular Humanist Shabbes celebration and potluck dinner will be youth-led! Sat, Aug 29 Yiddish Songs in Harmony: A Vocal Workshop with Levyosn / See Event Aug 29, 2026, 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Peretz Centre for Secular Jewish Culture, 6184 Ash St, Vancouver, BC V5Z 3G9, Canada The world’s leading Yiddish vocalists introduce singers of all levels to their bewitching mixture of contemporary and traditional folk singing Sat, Aug 29 Levyosn's Dream: Old, New, and Reimagined Yiddish Song / See Event Aug 29, 2026, 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Peretz Centre for Secular Jewish Culture, 6184 Ash St, Vancouver, BC V5Z 3G9, Canada The Peretz Centre welcomes internationally-acclaimed Yiddish folk ensemble Levyosn to perform songs of nature, labour, and love from their new album Levyosn’s Dream Load More Subscribe to Our Mailing List Please provide your contact details to receive our twice monthly community update. First name* Last name Email* I consent to receive the Peretz Centre newsletter * Comments (optional) Submit Special Statement from the Board of Directors November 2023 : As a secular, humanist Jewish organization, the Peretz Centre abhors the loss of life and the suffering of all those affected by the Israeli/Hamas conflict and supports all efforts to achieve an early and long lasting solution.

Members of the Vancouver Peretz Centre for Secular Jewish Culture can access members-only profiles, groups, and more Peretz Centre Members' Area Log In Not a member yet? Become a member What's Here? We're working on creating new ways for members to stay connected and get involved. Currently, through your account you can: Complete your member profile Update your contact information Save your payment details View your events and program registrations Customize your notifications Please note that we automatically apply the highest privacy settings to your member profile, making your information totally private . You have the option to make your profile visible to other Peretz members by changing the settings in your account. All information that you choose to make "public" is visible only to other Peretz members. Community Updates Reflections on the Peretz Jewish Anti-Racism Taskforce Nearly a year after the project began, the Peretz Jewish Anti-Racism Taskforce shares practical policy recommendations to help our community take meaningful action against racism, antisemitism, and colonialism in pursuit of a better and more beautiful world for all. Jun 23 7 min read Peretz Membership Endorses the "We're Better Together" Campaign in Support of Migrant Rights At the Peretz Centre's Annual General Meeting on Sunday, January 25th, 2026, the membership unanimously voted to endorse the "We're Better Campaign" to counter rising anti-immigrant sentiment and divisive rhetoric from politicians, and to demonstrate and grow public support for immigrants and refugees in Canada. Jan 29 3 min read 1 2 3 4 5 Peretz Members' Meetings Social Justice & Hereness: How Can Doikayt Guide Policy at Peretz? A Taskforce Presentation, Community Dialogue, & Lunch Sun, May 03 All members of the Peretz community are invited to learn about the path-breaking work of the Jewish Anti-Racism Taskforce (J-ART) in an afternoon of workshops, good dialogue, food, and schmoozing View Event Load More Membership FAQ Read Bylaws Code of Conduct What are membership dues? As a registered charity and non-profit society, the Peretz Centre is governed by dues-paying members. Our bylaws state that membership is (with a few exceptions) for life, but you must pay membership dues every year in order to be a member in good standing. If you do not pay your dues annually, you are still a member but no longer in good standing, meaning you lose some membership benefits like voting rights in General Meetings and board elections. Your membership dues are financial contributions to the Peretz Centre’s annual operations, helping to fund our work, subsidize participation for our essential community programs (including children and youth programs), and sustain a home for progressive Jewish community in Vancouver. How much does membership cost? Membership rates are offered in a few different categories. Members may register up to 4 adults in the same family and include children under 18 in any of the categories below. Anyone who identifies as a family and shares resources can register together. Registration for children under 18 is free! We encourage members with children to register them in order to help us plan for children's programming, including members-only programs. 2025-26 Membership Rates: How does Peretz decide membership rates? In setting membership rates, the Board of Directors aimed to: Support Peretz programs and events while ensuring that membership is affordable for anyone who wants to be a part of our community Recognize different family configurations and keep costs down for single parents Encourage members with partners and/or children to register all individuals in their family, which helps us plan for programs and grow our community The base amount of $180 for an individual adult (18+), or $25 for a self-identified low-income individual, is lower than most synagogues or societies like ours because we are able to use rental revenue from our building to keep membership costs down for those who can’t afford to pay more. Rather than introduce tiers for members who are able to contribute more financially, we encourage those who can afford it to make a charitable donation in addition to renewing membership. This way, the entire amount of the donation is eligible for a charitable tax receipt. Will I get a tax receipt for paying my membership dues? Payments are no longer eligible for charitable tax receipts as of September 1, 2025. For the 2025-26 membership year, the Board of Directors voted to change our membership model to provide monetary advantages (or membership benefits that have monetary value, like discounts) in order to recognize membership engagement and reduce barriers to participation. In other words, this new model allows members who frequently attend events or participate in programs to benefit from lower overall costs as a result of paying their membership dues. Because your membership dues will now directly save you money, payments are no longer considered donations. That’s part of the reason that we kept membership dues fairly low, so members who are able to contribute financially at a higher rate can do so with a charitable donation and receive a tax receipt for 100% of that voluntary contribution. What are the new membership benefits for 2025-26? For the 2025-26 membership year, we are introducing members-only monetary advantages, including special rates and promotions on program registration, event tickets, and building rentals. Starting November 30, 2025, members will receive new benefits: 10% off program registration (excluding members-only programs) 10% off event ticket prices (excluding events with free/in-kind/by donation registration options like Fraytik tsu Nakht) 15% of rental rates Additional promotions (like promo codes or early registration) offered only to members Please note: Starting in 2026, some programs (like Pnei Mitzvah and the Vancouver Jewish Folk Choir) may be restricted to members-only, as they were in previous years. Why do member discounts only start in November? Since Peretz membership has traditionally conferred only non-monetary advantages (like voting rights), payment of dues was considered a charitable donation. This is true for everyone who paid dues between September 1, 2024 and August 31, 2025; that’s why we issued charitable tax receipts for amounts paid (over $10). As a result, we are phasing in monetary advantages to ensure that we comply with Canada Revenue Agency Regulations for charitable contributions. The main reason to phase in these new benefits is that we open registration and ticket sales for programs and events during the changeover of the membership year (September and October are some of the busiest months!). Members who registered for programs or bought event tickets before the new membership year started on September 1st (or before they renewed their membership) cannot receive monetary advantages, and it wouldn’t be fair to give discounts to people who signed up later. To make the transition simpler, we decided that discounts will only be introduced for events and programs that start on or after November 30, 2025. How will I get members-only discounts and advance registration? Registration for programs and events starting after November 30, 2025 will have a “members-only” registration or ticket option. Please select this option to get the members discount. We may also send out special discount codes and early registration access to members via email – keep an eye out and make sure you’re subscribed to our mailing list! Why is it important to register my child(ren)? Children under the age of 18 are free to register for Peretz membership! We encourage members with children to register them in order to help us plan for children's programming, including members-only programs. Only children who are registered as members are eligible for members-only programs and discounts. To register one or more children in your family, please add their names and ages to your membership registration form.

Members are the foundation of our community. Join our mission to provide students of all ages with a progressive and modern Jewish cultural education, including programs, classes, lectures, holiday events, and more. Become a Member of The Peretz Centre Members are the foundation of our community. Join our mission to provide students of all ages with a progressive and modern Jewish cultural education, including programs, classes, lectures, holiday events, and more. Renew your Peretz Centre membership annually to maintain good standing, sustain a home for progressive Jewish community in Vancouver, and access membership benefits . Register Now Go to Members' Area Peretz Centre Membership Information The Peretz Centre for Secular Jewish Culture is a registered charity mandated to provide students of all ages with a progressive and modern Jewish cultural education since 1945. Over the past 80 years, our programs, events, and community initiatives are supported by our members, who contribute annual membership dues, volunteer, participate in our activities, and take an active role in Society governance. Read Bylaws Code of Conduct What are membership dues? As a registered charity and non-profit society, the Peretz Centre is governed by dues-paying members. Our bylaws state that membership is (with a few exceptions) for life, but you must pay membership dues every year in order to be a member in good standing. If you do not pay your dues annually, you are still a member but no longer in good standing, meaning you lose some membership benefits like voting rights in General Meetings and board elections. Your membership dues are financial contributions to the Peretz Centre’s annual operations, helping to fund our work, subsidize participation for our essential community programs (including children and youth programs), and sustain a home for progressive Jewish community in Vancouver. How much does membership cost? Membership rates are offered in a few different categories. Members may register up to 4 adults in the same family and include children under 18 in any of the categories below. Anyone who identifies as a family and shares resources can register together. Registration for children under 18 is free! We encourage members with children to register them in order to help us plan for children's programming, including members-only programs. 2025-26 Membership Rates: How does Peretz decide membership rates? In setting membership rates, the Board of Directors aimed to: Support Peretz programs and events while ensuring that membership is affordable for anyone who wants to be a part of our community Recognize different family configurations and keep costs down for single parents Encourage members with partners and/or children to register all individuals in their family, which helps us plan for programs and grow our community The base amount of $180 for an individual adult (18+), or $25 for a self-identified low-income individual, is lower than most synagogues or societies like ours because we are able to use rental revenue from our building to keep membership costs down for those who can’t afford to pay more. Rather than introduce tiers for members who are able to contribute more financially, we encourage those who can afford it to make a charitable donation in addition to renewing membership. This way, the entire amount of the donation is eligible for a charitable tax receipt. Will I get a tax receipt for paying my membership dues? Payments are no longer eligible for charitable tax receipts as of September 1, 2025. For the 2025-26 membership year, the Board of Directors voted to change our membership model to provide monetary advantages (or membership benefits that have monetary value, like discounts) in order to recognize membership engagement and reduce barriers to participation. In other words, this new model allows members who frequently attend events or participate in programs to benefit from lower overall costs as a result of paying their membership dues. Because your membership dues will now directly save you money, payments are no longer considered donations. That’s part of the reason that we kept membership dues fairly low, so members who are able to contribute financially at a higher rate can do so with a charitable donation and receive a tax receipt for 100% of that voluntary contribution. What are the new membership benefits for 2025-26? For the 2025-26 membership year, we are introducing members-only monetary advantages, including special rates and promotions on program registration, event tickets, and building rentals. Starting November 30, 2025, members will receive new benefits: 10% off program registration (excluding members-only programs) 10% off event ticket prices (excluding events with free/in-kind/by donation registration options like Fraytik tsu Nakht) 15% of rental rates Additional promotions (like promo codes or early registration) offered only to members Please note: Starting in 2026, some programs (like Pnei Mitzvah and the Vancouver Jewish Folk Choir) may be restricted to members-only, as they were in previous years. Why do member discounts only start in November? Since Peretz membership has traditionally conferred only non-monetary advantages (like voting rights), payment of dues was considered a charitable donation. This is true for everyone who paid dues between September 1, 2024 and August 31, 2025; that’s why we issued charitable tax receipts for amounts paid (over $10). As a result, we are phasing in monetary advantages to ensure that we comply with Canada Revenue Agency Regulations for charitable contributions. The main reason to phase in these new benefits is that we open registration and ticket sales for programs and events during the changeover of the membership year (September and October are some of the busiest months!). Members who registered for programs or bought event tickets before the new membership year started on September 1st (or before they renewed their membership) cannot receive monetary advantages, and it wouldn’t be fair to give discounts to people who signed up later. To make the transition simpler, we decided that discounts will only be introduced for events and programs that start on or after November 30, 2025. How will I get members-only discounts and advance registration? Registration for programs and events starting after November 30, 2025 will have a “members-only” registration or ticket option. Please select this option to get the members discount. We may also send out special discount codes and early registration access to members via email – keep an eye out and make sure you’re subscribed to our mailing list! Why is it important to register my child(ren)? Children under the age of 18 are free to register for Peretz membership! We encourage members with children to register them in order to help us plan for children's programming, including members-only programs. Only children who are registered as members are eligible for members-only programs and discounts. To register one or more children in your family, please add their names and ages to your membership registration form. 2025-26 Membership Benefits Voting Privileges Steer the direction of the Peretz Centre by voting in General Meetings (like the AGM and board elections) and Special General Meetings Participatory Opportunities Be involved in Peretz Centre activities and governance through the Board of Directors (elected positions), committees, and working groups Advance Registration Gain priority access to registration for popular Peretz programs and events with limited seats, so you can register before they fill up! Members-Only Discounts Get 10% of program registration* and event tickets*, plus 15% off rental rates for our facilities and additional promotions sent via email to members Members-Only Forums Access members-only forums and special events around the Peretz mission and vision, plus the Members Area of the website Borrowing Privileges Check out book from the Kirman Library, the largest collection of Yiddish books in Western Canada, plus a wide variety of Jewish history and culture texts! *Events with free/in-kind/by donation ticket options are not eligible for member discounts. Registration for members-only programs is already subsidized (not eligible). Register or Renew Your Membership for 2025-26 Each new membership year begins on September 1st . Membership fees are due annually to ensure you are a member in good standing (able to vote and access benefits). Peretz Centre annual membership fees apply for adults (18+), who can register as individuals or in groups of up to four adults; children under 18 are free to register . We encourage members with children to register them in order to help us plan for children's programming, including members-only programs. Anyone who identifies as a family and shares resources can register together. Subsidized rates are available for self-identified low-income individuals and families. New members: Anyone is welcome to register for membership. Our doors are open to people of diverse cultures, beliefs, genders, sexual orientation, and abilities. Returning members : Please submit the registration form below to renew your membership. Register Join Our Mailing List Subscribe Become a Member Register Support Our Work Donate

Updated (April 26): The deadline for this position is extended to May 2, 2026 (the application form is working again!). The Peretz Centre in Vancouver is recruiting an experienced, caring, and creative camp counsellor for our summer program for youth (8-13) to explore Jewish arts and culture and participate in intergenerational learning. Learn more about the program and role below and apply by May 2, 2026. Title: Peretz Zumershule Camp Counsellor & Artistic Advisor Type: Contract Position Location: Peretz Centre for Secular Jewish Culture (6184 Ash Street, Vancouver, BC) Dates: Monday, August 17th to Friday, August 28th, 2026 Hours of work: Must be available between 9am to 5pm, plus additional hours on Friday, August 28 (until 9pm) Compensation: $3000 for two weeks (additional work requested will be paid at $35 per hour) Reports to: Co-Executive Directors Application Deadline: May 2, 2026 Zumershule Program Description The Peretz Zumershule is a two-week summer (zumer) program for youth ages 8-123, from all backgrounds and cultures, to explore forms of artistic expression historically associated with Jewish culture. From folk theatre and film, klezmer music, comedy and satire, to visual arts, writing, cooking, and literature, this program brings together youth with artists, scholars, creators, and elders in the Peretz community to share cultural heritage and skills with a special emphasis on intergenerational learning and understanding. Half-day arts-based workshops with Peretz community artists, creators, and scholars Half-day free time to explore creativity, imagination and experiment with artistic practices Final day ends with youth-led cultural shabbes potluck dinner (Friday, Aug. 28th) Camp Counsellor Job Summary As part of a two-person team, the Zumershule Counsellor & Artistic Advisor(s) will play an important role in shaping the experiences of program participants: Creating and maintaining a safe and respectful environment for all participants; Supervising and assisting with arts workshop activities (2-4 hours per day); Supervising, supporting, and advising participants with independent or group activities before and/or after arts workshops each day (emphasis on nurturing individual interests and creative expression); Facilitating the collaboration of participants in leading the final program community dinner; Supporting overall well-being and safety of youth participants while at camp. The ideal candidate will be aligned with the educational and creative/artistic goals of the program and the interests of participants and demonstrate their ability to work in a highly collaborative environment. We encourage applicants from all cultural backgrounds, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. The Peretz Centre is committed to creating a safe workplace and using all means available to support employees and volunteers. General Responsibilities Organizing and supervising program activities: Contribute to camp preparations including programming, schedules, gathering and organizing materials in coordination with co-counsellor; Set up and clean up arts activities and supplies (with assistance from participants and volunteers); Supervise responsible play activities in the Peretz building and nearby Tisdale Park; Work with co-counsellor to organize and facilitate unstructured activities for participants as needed; Keep time so that activities start and end according to schedule; Assist with organization of and participate in the community dinner at end of the program (Aug. 28). Creating a great experience for all participants: Support and care for all participants with respect, creating a welcoming environment; Emphasize and encourage collaborative, youth-led activities and initiatives; Communicate with participants and their families to learn about their needs and share relevant information with other Peretz staff to improve overall experience. Ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of participants: Ensure the safety of children in their care and maintain safe practices; Be aware of participants' medical needs (medications, allergies, etc.) and other special circumstances or requirements and adjust programs for maximal accommodation; Ensure all Health, Safety, and Risk Management policies and procedures are followed at all times, by all participants and staff; Know Fire Safety Plan and Emergency Preparedness Plan for all activities and areas. Other responsibilities: Work with Peretz staff and other program leaders to deliver program goals, including post-program debriefs and feedback processes as requested by staff; May need to open or close the Peretz Centre building (according to guidelines provided). Program hours may be adjusted according to participants' needs. All additional work will be paid at the hourly rate of $35/hr. Job responsibilities and other details in this description are subject to change. Required Qualifications Experience working with children and young adults, especially with arts and crafts projects (all forms of lived experience are welcomed); Flexibility and adaptability; Respect for pluralistic experiences of cultures and religions; Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively; Strong communication skills across all age groups; First aid training; Vulnerable Sector Criminal Records Check for persons 18 and over; Candidates must be legally entitled to work in British Columbia. Additional/Preferred Qualifications The following qualifications are assets but are not required in order to be considered for the position: Creativity and skills in artistic expression and creation is an asset; Previous experience and/or studies in neurodivergent and/or inclusive pedagogies is an asset (guidance will be provided); Familiarity with Jewish cultural practices and/or one or more Jewish languages is an asset but not required. Working Conditions Inflexible schedule Working indoors and outdoors (summertime) Working in close proximity with groups of children ages 8-13 Engaging in safe, physical play activities with children (indoors and outdoors) Handling art supplies and equipment Cleaning and carrying supplies Potential for excessive noise Building (two storeys) is accessible except for stage area (elevator and underground parking available) How to Apply The Peretz Centre is a cultural and secular charitable organization, committed to the values of diversity, equity, and social justice. People of diverse experiences, cultures, genders, and sexual orientations are encouraged to apply. We welcome all forms of lived experience and invite applicants to share relevant knowledge or skills gained from personal experience during the application process. As an employer, we strive to create an inclusive and barrier-free recruitment and selection process for paid positions. We welcome and encourage applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. If you have any questions or concerns about the application process, please contact admin@peretz-centre.org or phone the office at (604) 325-1812 and leave a message. All information shared will be kept confidential. Application Process: Applicants are invited to complete our short application form and attach a copy of their resume (1-2 pages) no later than May 2, 2026. We will review these submissions and invite a number of candidates to an interview with 2-3 Peretz staff/volunteers, either in person at the Peretz Centre or online. References will be requested from candidates who are shortlisted during or after the interview stage. Successful candidates will be expected to remain in contact with Peretz staff as the program start date approaches and communicate/review program schedules and other materials as needed. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. We will review applications as they are submitted. About the Peretz Centre The Peretz Centre for Secular Jewish Culture was founded in 1945 to establish and conduct a school that provides students of all ages with a progressive and modern Jewish cultural education. Located in Vancouver, BC on the unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) peoples, we hold classes, lectures, exhibitions, concerts, holiday celebrations and similar gatherings in order to teach and advance the cause of progressive and modern Jewish learning, culture, and education and the Yiddish language. We offer a pluralistic, non-dogmatic approach to Jewish education that emphasizes the humanist, progressive, and universalist aspects of our heritage.

The Peretz Centre for Secular Jewish Culture is hiring an Event & Rentals Coordinator to join our small team and take an active role in event logistics and venue operations, strengthening our rental program, and supporting building operations. The deadline to apply is Sunday, August 16, 2026. Title: Event & Rentals Coordinator Type: Full-time position Location: Peretz Centre for Secular Jewish Culture (6184 Ash Street, Vancouver, BC) Hours of work: 37.5 hours per week (including some evenings/weekends) Compensation: Starting salary of $55,000 per year + benefits (after three months) Reports to: Executive Director Application Deadline: August 16, 2026 Event & Rentals Coordinator Job Summary As the Peretz Centre enters a new phase of growth, we are seeking a team member to help shape the future of one of Vancouver’s longstanding cultural institutions – a vibrant community space that hosts concerts and performances, film screenings, festivals, workshops, lectures, seniors’ and family programs, meetings, conferences, and other community events throughout the year. Situated at the intersection of event production, venue operations, and community engagement, the Event & Rentals Coordinator will work closely with staff, volunteers, members, renters, artists, educators, and community partners to help deliver welcoming, well-organized events while supporting the expansion of our diverse rental program and improving the effective use of our facilities. Unlike highly specialized event roles, this position offers hands-on experience across event production, venue rentals, community engagement, facility operations, administration, and organizational planning. The ideal candidate is practical, detail-oriented, adaptable, and an excellent communicator who enjoys being where the action is. They take pride in making complex events seem effortless, are equally comfortable meeting with performers and community partners as they are setting up a room or troubleshooting an unexpected problem, and are motivated by seeing good ideas through from planning to execution. We are seeking candidates who are excited to play an active role in our organization's future. The successful candidate will have opportunities to take initiative, contribute ideas, and help strengthen organizational systems and practices across events, rentals, and facility operations. This position offers meaningful opportunities for professional growth and mentorship, with the potential to take on increased responsibility, lead new initiatives, and contribute to organizational decision-making as the Centre continues to expand its programs, partnerships, and community impact. Role Responsibilities 1) Coordinate events and venue operations (45%) Help deliver welcoming, well-organized events by coordinating logistics before, during, and after Peretz programs and community rentals. Collaborate with event organizers plan and deliver successful events, coordinating logistics such as schedules, room layouts, audio/visual equipment, lighting, catering, décor, special event permits, security, and other requirements; Provide administrative and logistical support for events from planning through completion; Act as the primary contact for performers and presenters in coordinating technical requirements and facilitating the technical rider process; Orient volunteers and renters to building procedures and event logistics; Set up and take down tables, chairs, basic A/V equipment, instruments, etc., ensuring facilities are clean, secure, and ready for subsequent use; Serve as the primary onsite staff contact during events, responding to operational issues and coordinating appropriate emergency procedures when required; Provide basic troubleshooting for audio/visual and lighting equipment and coordinate specialized technical support when needed; Ensure organizational policies (including health, safety, emergency, and risk management policies) are followed during events; Supervise the safe use of the Peretz Centre’s commercial kitchen (Foodsafe Level 1 will be required); Reset rooms to required layouts in coordination with Facilities Manager; Work with Executive Director to ensure events are welcoming, inclusive, and accessible. 2) Coordinate and strengthen the Peretz Centre’s rental program (35%) Support the continued growth of the Peretz Centre's rental program by providing excellent service, building long-term relationships, and identifying opportunities to improve operations. Work with other staff to maximize rental potential through responsive client service, effective scheduling, operational improvements, and relationship-building, while balancing community programming and operational capacity; Review rental requests with other staff to ensure that rental requirements, scheduling, capacity, and associated costs (including SOCAN/Resound fees) are appropriately assessed; Meet with prospective renters on site to provide occasional facility tours and answer questions about availability, capacities, equipment, rates, and venue specifications; Liaise between renters and Peretz staff to ensure rentals are well coordinated and organizational policies are clearly understood; Build and maintain positive relationships with long-term renters, prospective clients, and service providers (e.g. sound technicians, caterers); Monitor rental activity and prepare reports that inform operational planning and revenue goals; Assist in reviewing rental agreements, pricing, and related policies; Recommend improvements to rental policies, procedures, scheduling, service offerings, and client experience. 3) Support building operations (20%) Contribute to the effective operation of the Peretz Centre by supporting facility management, safety, maintenance, and continuous operational improvement. Assist the Executive Director in maintaining and updating health and safety plans, as well as policies and procedures for rentals and events; Support implementation of building access, security, and emergency procedures; Work with the Executive Director and Facilities Manager to coordinate maintenance priorities, inventory systems, equipment purchases, facility upgrades, vendors, contractors, and other operational needs. General responsibilities Participate in weekly staff meetings during regular business hours; Maintain confidentiality of all tenant, renter, volunteer, and organization information; Perform other related duties consistent with the scope of the position. Required Qualifications We recognize that relevant experience can be gained in many different settings, including employment, volunteer work, community organizing, and education. If you are excited about this role and believe your experience aligns with the qualifications below, we encourage you to apply. Demonstrated experience coordinating complex events, programs, or community initiatives; Proven ability to work independently, take initiative, and collaborate as part of a small team; Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills, with demonstrated reliability and attention to detail; Basic proficiency with common office software, including Microsoft Office suite; Commitment to diversity, equity, and social justice; Legally entitled to work in British Columbia. Preferred Qualifications The following qualifications are not required but may be assets during hiring: Experience with venue rentals or performing arts; Experience working with audio/visual equipment, venue operations, or technical event support; FoodSafe Level 1 certification; Familiarity with basic budgeting, purchasing, or procurement processes; Experience working with people from diverse cultural, religious, social, and/or linguistic backgrounds; Ability to speak more than one language is an asset in our multilingual workspace. Working Conditions Full-time position based primarily at the Peretz Centre in Vancouver. The Peretz Centre is located one block west of Cambie Street and 500m from the Langara-49th Canada Line station (view directions and transit information); A portion of working hours is determined by programming and rental schedules, including evenings and weekends (typically 1-3 days per week); While the position requires significant on-site work to support events, rentals, and facility operations, the Peretz Centre is committed to providing flexibility wherever operationally possible. Administrative work, planning, reporting, and other duties may be completed through flexible scheduling arrangements developed collaboratively with the Executive Director; Periods of increased workload may occur during busy event and rental periods, requiring ability to manage multiple priorities and respond calmly to unexpected issues; Work is performed primarily indoors in a climate-controlled office and active community/event venues; Regular physical activity, including event setup and teardown, light to moderate cleaning, and moving equipment and supplies; Regular standing and walking for extended periods during events; Events may involve exposure to elevated noise levels, large groups of people, and fast-paced or time-sensitive situations; The building (two storeys) is generally accessible, with elevator access and underground parking available; however, the stage and green room are accessible only via stairs; There is one non-gendered, single-stall washroom on site in the green room. Learn more about building accessibility. How to Apply The Peretz Centre is a cultural and secular charitable organization, committed to the values of diversity, equity, and social justice. People of diverse experiences, cultures, genders, sexual orientation, and abilities are encouraged to apply. We welcome all forms of lived experience and invite applicants to share relevant knowledge, skills, or abilities gained from personal experience during the application process. All information provided will be kept confidential. As an employer, we strive to create an inclusive and barrier-free recruitment and selection process for paid positions. We welcome and encourage applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. If you have any questions or concerns about the application process, please contact execdirector@peretz-centre.org or call the office at (604) 325-1812 and leave a message. Application Process Applicants are invited to complete our short application form and attach a copy of their resume (1-2 pages). Selected applicants will be invited to an interview (in person or online). References will be requested from candidates who are shortlisted during or after the interview stage. A second interview may be required. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. We will review applications as they are submitted. About the Peretz Centre The Peretz Centre for Secular Jewish Culture is a registered charity founded in 1945 to establish and conduct a school that provides students of all ages with a progressive and modern Jewish cultural education. Located in Vancouver, BC on the unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) peoples, we hold classes, lectures, exhibitions, concerts, holiday celebrations and similar gatherings in order to teach and advance the cause of progressive and modern Jewish learning, culture, and education and the Yiddish language.

Nearly a year after the project began, the Peretz Jewish Anti-Racism Taskforce shares practical policy recommendations to help our community take meaningful action against racism, antisemitism, and colonialism in pursuit of a better and more beautiful world for all. The Jewish Anti-Racism Taskforce (J-ART) was created in October 2025 as part of the Discovering Doikayt initiative with a mandate to create concrete policy recommendations for the Peretz Centre to strengthen our capacity for action against racism, internal and external. I was hired to support and facilitate J-ART, beginning with research into existing policy frameworks and recruiting volunteer members to the project. Six committed Peretz members joined and we got to work. We are proud to share the J-ART report with the Peretz community and other organizations and people who strive for justice and who are concerned with the current climate of anti-migrant xenophobia, proto-fascism and undermining of Indigenous rights and title. Thank you to all the volunteer taskforce members: Annalee Yassi, Claudia Bulaievsky, David Catzel, Erica Mildner, Gyda Chud, and Joanna Garfinkle. Without their earnest efforts across multiple meetings, initiatives and discussions, this project would not have been possible. Doikayt & Jewish Anti-Racism Founded in 1945, the Peretz Centre was born from an urgent need to ensure the continuity of Jewish secular humanistic culture and Yiddishkayt in the aftermath of the Holocaust. Over the last 80 years, the Peretz community has sustained a unique space in Vancouver for progressive and modern Jewish learning, culture, and education and the Yiddish language, taking responsibility for continuing the never-ending pursuit of justice and peace. What is the Peretz Jewish Anti-Racism Taskforce? (video) Our 80th anniversary poses an opportunity to reflect on what has changed over our organization’s history and what still needs to change today. Importantly, while Jews are a minority in Canada and while anti-Jewish hatred is on the rise alongside hatred of other minorities (Muslims, Arabs, Palestinians), we are no longer marginalized in a systematic way. By systematic, I mean Jews do not face significant structural barriers to accessing education, institutions, or livelihoods on the basis of their Jewish identity, as had once been the case. It is therefore a unique experience to work on anti-racism at Peretz, where the majority of our membership are European descendants but who share ancestral histories of navigating racism, migration, and colonization, alongside other migrant groups. At the same time, Jews are not a monolithic ethnic identity and though the Peretz’ was founded to promote Yiddish culture rooted in Eastern European traditions, our community at Peretz is wonderfully diverse. As the Peretz Centre grows, so do our definitions of who is part of our community. Many different kinds of Jews and people with an interest in Jewish culture from all around the world have made Vancouver their home and it’s incumbent on the Peretz Centre to expand our understanding of the demographics we serve to include these new voices and stories while retaining the history, philosophy, and core principles on which we were founded 80 years ago. These changes in conditions and perspectives since our organization began in 1945 spark important questions: What can we do to strengthen our commitment to and capacity for action against racism, both within our community and in the interest of our community as we combat white supremacy and antisemitism? How do we work to address systemic power imbalances that lead to inequality in our cultural spaces? How do we create a richer, more vibrant, and equitable community at Peretz by supporting solidarity with oppressed groups in our society? How do we face our community's implication in larger social harms, including colonialism, racism, and classism, and seek repair and redress? How do we defend and uphold the legacy of progressive Jewish politics in Canada? To approach these questions and try to respond to them, we are guided by the concept of doikayt ("here-ness"), a core principle of the Peretz Centre’s mission that teaches us that the struggle for justice, equity, and mutual liberation must begin right here, in the places where we live and work. One lesson I’ve learned as project coordinator for J-ART is that regardless of complications, the path of doikayt starts with a recognition that our own liberation is bound up in the liberation of other minority groups from these systems of oppression. We cannot "go it alone" without exposing ourselves or others to the same violence that racism exerts on other minorities. Peretz is 80 years old and yet, I’ve learned through this process that we still have so many more horizons left on our journey. We are a broad-based community and yet we have room to expand ourselves to a great deal more people through solidarity, learning, and support. Social Justice & Doikayt: Policy Recommendations for Progressive Change in the Jewish Community J-ART’s final report, Social Justice & Doikayt: Policy Recommendations for Progressive Change in the Jewish Community, is a living document. In other words, it is intended to be a basis for decision-making and collective growth that is ongoing. The first section focuses on maximizing impact beyond the walls of the Peretz Centre itself, to forge strategic partnerships with organizations who have overlapping goals and share a demonstrable commitment to inclusion and equity. Especially important is seeking active solidarity with Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh nations. The second section aims to advance understanding of internal experience through equity audits, inclusive programming (like promoting diverse Jewish cultures beyond the Ashkenazi centre), conflict resolution, and training members on anti-racism and living with discomfort. The third section emphasizes the importance of building a library of interventions, recommending that Peretz undertake a resource review to ensure that anti-racist material and authors from the global south are represented in our Kirman Library, share knowledge through collaborations with organizations like the Vancouver Public Library to promote progressive Jewish thought, and enshrining Yiddishkayt to connect Yiddish radical history with modern activism. Lastly, J-ART members also created an appendix to the report with a list of contacts, resources, and references for further reading. A portion of the taskforce’s discretionary budget was used to purchase anti-racist books for the Kirman Library, which are available to Peretz members and the general public. The full report is available on the Peretz Centre website, or in PDF format (click to download). Supporting Anti-Racism Education The taskforce’s activities extended well beyond creating policy recommendations. In our efforts to achieve the goals of the project, the J-ART has produced several important events and opportunities to work towards anti-racism at the Peretz Centre and beyond. The following list is incomplete but demonstrates the important efforts of so many Peretzniks, who have shown up to expand our horizons and engage in meaningful conversations and actions: A capstone event where the J-ART final report and policy recommendations were shared with the wider community. The event was facilitated through breakout groups and feedback was recorded. (Thanks to Gyda Chud and Claudia Bulaievsky from the taskforce for helping to facilitate and record feedback!) A detailed survey of the cross-section of Peretzniks who attended the capstone event on their perspective for the path forward for anti-racist work at the Peretz Centre. An anti-racism training workshop with professional facilitators from RADIUS social innovation hub at SFU to help move from policy recommendations to tangible actions at Peretz, attended by Peretz members and members of the Board of Directors. An anti-racism educational workshop for two cohorts of Pnei Mitzvah students (one of Peretz’s educational programs for youth ages 10-13), led by Gyda Chud and Claudia Bulaievsky. A membership motion successfully passed at the Peretz Annual General Meeting to support the “Better Together” campaign led by the Canadian Council for Refugees, a national campaign for migrant and refugee rights. In addition, the taskforce sponsored three events to support anti-racism education: Fraytik tsu Nakht (Friday night) cultural shabbes dinner with after-dinner learning on "How Colonization Dismantles Food Systems," presented by taskforce member David Catzel on decolonization and food justice as it relates to Jewish culture. Fraytik tsu Nakht cultural shabbes with after-dinner learning on "Indigenous Sovereignty, Land Defence, and the Fight Against Ecocide," presented by longtime activist and Peretz member Bob Ages on his experience and analysis of solidarity work with Indigenous self-determination struggles rooted in Jewish secular humanist principles (hosted by taskforce member Erica Mildner). Revolutionary Yiddish Singalong workshop introducing archival anti-authoritarian Jewish folk songs from the early 20th century, led by local historian and musician Dan Carkner & and Brooklyn-based DJ Chaia. What’s Next for the Peretz Jewish Anti-Racism Taskforce? The J-ART project was a great step on a longer journey for the Peretz Centre. The final report of the taskforce has been presented to the Peretz Board of Directors , which will include multiple new projects that pick up the work of the taskforce. Illustration adapted from an election poster for the Jewish Labour Bund (Kyiv, ca. 1917). Peretz is a charitable organization with limited staff, a volunteer board, and some motley volunteers, but this project showed me that this community can lead the fight against racism in the Jewish community. It starts by approaching this issue with curiosity, listening to one another, and working together towards a vision of a truly humanist approach to Jewish culture. The J-ART project was created within the secular humanist vision of the Peretz Centre. We worked to help create a foundation for Peretz to grow, with the goal of being a model for anti-racist and equity-centered values within Jewish cultural and educational spaces across Canada. We must work to fight anti-Jewish hatred and racism by learning from and sharing in the struggle for social justice. Now is a crucial time for Jews of conscience to act in solidarity with other minorities to preserve dignity and respect for all. We acknowledge the support of the Canadian Race Relations Foundation with funding provided by the Government of Canada. About the Author Omri Haiven is a grassroots community organizer, communicator, and researcher. From July 2025 to June 2026, he facilitated and supported the work of the Peretz Jewish Anti-Racism Taskforce's volunteer members, sharing his expertise in community-building, knowledge mobilization, political advocacy, and research. Omri has worked and volunteered in a range of initiatives connected to systemic change over the years, including climate justice, economic justice, racial justice, Indigenous solidarity, food and energy sovereignty, and anti-oppression education. His Masters (M.A.) project through the School of Communication at Simon Fraser University (SFU) focused on agrivoltaics (the integration of solar panels with farming) through a political-economic lens, aiming to uncover how we can solve both energy and food security problems while promoting peri-urban economic development. In addition to his role as J-ART project coordinator, Omri is the Agrivoltaics Policy & Community Engagement Coordinator with the Clean Energy Research Group (CERG) at SFU and an active member of the Peretz community.

Delve into the rich literary heritage and diverse perspectives of Jewish authors, fostering meaningful dialogue and exploration of Jewish themes, culture, and identity. Each week the group reads and discusses an English-language text by a Jewish writer, whether in translation or originally in English. Texts are chosen in advance by the participants. While meeting online, we have the text on screen, and we do “social reading”, i.e., reading aloud by turns, with discussion during and after. All are welcome; you needn’t read aloud if you prefer not to. To join the Exploring Jewish Writers mailing list and receive the Zoom link (plus weekly readings), contact ejw@peretz-centre.org *Please note that the schedule on the website may not have the most updated information. To check the confirmed schedule, join the mailing list.

Come join us for three weeks on zoom to practice your shmues (conversation) skills in relation to a variety of texts and media. This online, three session mini-course is designed for intermediate Yiddish language learners. We will look at video clips, audiobooks, and written texts and discuss how the rich availability of such materials can facilitate a self-study of Yiddish or discovery of the many gems that exist on the internet when one knows where to look. A focus in this class will be on continuing a conversational approach where we speak in Yiddish throughout, to the best of our ability, and with much communal care and support. Another focus will be on enjoying the language and having fun! ***Registration Deadline*** Friday, May 16th ***Schedule & Fees*** This course includes three 90-minute online classes on Sundays (2-3:30pm PST) from May 18th to June 1st. The standard fee is $54 ($18 per class), with payment plans available to address financial access barriers. To set up a payment plan, select the “payment plan deposit” ($18) option during registration and Peretz staff will reach out to finalize the details. ***Instructor Bio*** Emily Glass (she/her) grew up in North Vancouver hearing no Yiddish at all. Like many people interested in the language, she has a “discovery” story. Hers involved spontaneously signing up for a beginner Yiddish class with Rebecca Margolis during her undergrad at the University of Ottawa in 2015 and then falling in love with the culture at the Steiner Summer Program at the Yiddish Book Center in 2016. Since then, she has studied Yiddish and its vibrant culture at KlezKanada, Yiddish Summer Paris, and Yiddish New York. Professionally, Emily has worked for over three years as a high school French teacher. This past year, she took a break from high school teaching to do a masters in Yiddish Studies at the University of Toronto, where she did language seminars and researched the ways that Ashkenazi ways of being have been expressed in dance cultures. Throughout her masters, she was additionally mentored by Avia Moore of KlezKanada in her Yiddish dance research. Image: Postcard by Przedruk wabronieny (Stanisławów, 1905)