Search Results

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. Who We Are What We Do Visit Us 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. Our doors are open to people of diverse cultures, beliefs, genders, and sexual orientation. Join Our Mailing List Who We Are The Vancouver Peretz Institute, also known as the Vancouver Peretz Shule, was founded in 1945 in response to the threat to Jewish culture and Yiddish language posed by the Holocaust and WWII. The founding families felt an urgent need to establish a school to ensure the continuity of Jewish secular humanistic culture and thought. And they opened the doors to all — Jews and non-Jews — who felt a connection to Jewish culture, history, and experience. The Peretz Institute was renamed the Peretz Centre for Secular Jewish Culture in 2001. From the Vancouver Jewish Folk Choir to our Pnei Mitzvah program for children 10-14, we sustain a unique space in Vancouver’s Jewish community for multicultural, interfaith, gender-inclusive, and LGBTQ+-friendly cultural education that honours and upholds a broad, inclusive understanding of Jewish culture. Created for the Peretz Centre by artist Rob Friedman in 2002, the stained glass windows with their Yiddish calligraphy and secular content are unique in the world. The four panels make up a vertical window 22 ft by 18 1/4 inches wide and are designed to flow into each other. Each panel on average contains over 2000 cuts and each piece was beveled to fit into the very thin detailed leadwork. "A people's memory is history; a people without a history can grow neither wiser nor better." -- Isaac Leyb Peretz (1852-1915) With a long history of peace activism and respect for the humanity of all peoples, we strive to provide an accessible space to a wide range of progressive Jewish people, organizations, and cultural and social allies, who struggle to find a home within the confines of mainstream Jewish institutions. Learn More History View Bylaws Join Our Mailing List Subscribe Become a Peretz Member Register Make a Charitable Donation Donate Secular Jewish Humanism Secular humanism emphasizes human endeavour rather than supernatural intervention. We believe that people have a kinship with all living things and that people working together creatively, adhering to ethical and democratic principles, can make the world a better place. The first secular Jewish organizations arose in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in both Europe and the Western Hemisphere. Those organizations defined the Jews as a people whose history, traditions, values and cultures could be researched and understood rationally, using the methods and insights of modern thought and science. The encompassing term was Yiddishkayt — Jewishness. At the Peretz Centre, we believe that Jewish continuity is best assured in a pluralistic, inclusive society where mutual dignity and respect, justice, freedom, and peace prevail. This is the lesson of Jewish history and this is why secular humanist Yiddishkayt is at the core of Peretz Centre educational and cultural programs. Learn more about humanistic and secular Judaism: The Society for Humanistic Judaism (SJH) The Cultural and Secular Jewish Organization (CSJO) Secular Jewish Holidays From our combined/condensed High Holidays to Hanukkah, Purim, Passover, and more, we gather to celebrate together. See Events Monthly Shabbes for Cultural Jews Our monthly Secular Humanist Shabbes observance and potluck dinner (Fraytik tsu Nakht) is open to all. See Events Cultural Pnei Mitzvah Program A pluralistic, non-dogmatic educational program for students 10-13 to reinterpret the bar mitzvah rite of passage. Learn More What is Yiddishkayt ? Yiddishkayt is the Jewish culture that blossomed in Europe from the late 1700s. Yiddish, the daily language of most Jews, began to be used by writers who were often rebels against the old religious establishment and who championed new ideas of social justice and human dignity. A rich literature of poetry, prose, drama, and song thrived until curtailed by antisemitic massacres in the 1930s and 40s. As an educational centre dedicated to Yiddish language and culture, secular humanistic values, and progressive and social justice-related causes, we value Doikayt (“here-ness”), a concept that stems from Ashkenazi Jewish progressive movements and states the importance of connection and commitment to local social struggles for justice, equality, and mutual liberation. Yiddish Language Courses Open up the world of Yiddish language, culture, and history with beginner and intermediate classes. Explore Zhargon: Histories of Yiddishkayt Explore the rich and fascinating history, art and culture of Yiddishkayt — the culture of Jews in Eastern Europe. Explore The Vancouver Jewish Folk Choir Learn and sing the traditional and contemporary songs of the Jewish people in Yiddish, Hebrew, Ladino and English. Learn More The Kirman Yiddish Library A diverse and fascinating collection of Jewish books in Yiddish and English. Open to everyone! Learn More What We Do The Peretz School & Programs Education is the core of the Peretz mission. Through the Peretz School programs and community-run workshops, reading groups, and more, we offer students of all ages opportunities to enrich our understanding of Jewish cultural expression, history, and diversity. Explore Programs Peretz School Jewish Cultural Events The Peretz Centre offers a vibrant space for celebrations, lectures, performances, film screenings, and cultural events open to all. From our combined/condensed High Holidays to Hanukkah, Purim, Passover, and more, we host Jewish holidays and shabbes dinners based in secular humanist principles, honouring our heritage, upholding the value of peace and diversity, and welcoming interfaith, inter-cultural, and LGBTQ+ members and families. See Upcoming Events Events The Kirman Yiddish Library The Paulina and Shaya Kirman Library is the largest Yiddish language library in Western Canada. The library contains over 4000 Yiddish and English books, journals, and other print media (open to the public by appointment). Learn More Kirman Visit the Peretz Centre 6184 Ash Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada V5Z 3G9 +1 (604) 325-1812 info@peretz-centre.org Contact Us First Name Last Name Email Message Send Message sent!

Page Not Found. Looks like this page has been hidden or no longer exists. Go to Homepage

Rent our hall or meeting room for your next event, party, wedding, meeting, or life cycle event. Hall rental for weddings, bar/bat mitzvahs, banquets, fundraisers, dances, reunions, anniversary and birthday celebrations, concerts and plays. Room rental for meetings, conferences, workshops and classes. Peretz Centre Venue Rentals Rent our hall or meeting room for your next program, concert, conference, meeting, or life cycle event. Conveniently located near Oakridge Mall in Vancouver, one block west of the Canada Line (half way between the 41st and 49th Avenue stations), our variety of spaces can accommodate all of your rental needs. Submit an Inquiry Available Rental Spaces in Vancouver We prioritize renting to community organizations at affordable rates. If you are looking for a long-term rental partnership, please contact us. The Peretz Centre and our rental rooms are wheelchair accessible, with underground parking and an elevator. Our rooms are available for one-time or long-term rental, and will be set up according to your wishes. *Please note that the lower floor (Seniors Lounge) is currently rented by the Vancouver Public Library and will not be available until spring 2025. Ben Chud Auditorium Ben Chud Auditorium Ben Chud Auditorium Ben Chud Auditorium Ben Chud Auditorium 1/4 3,000+ sqft Capacity: 200-300 people Our dividable auditorium can accommodate up to 200 seated guests (banquets, weddings) or 300 people for cocktail receptions, concerts, theatre performances, film screenings, and more. Features a maple wood floor, spacious foyer, stage, portable stage, green room (off-stage prep room), and full catering kitchen. Lighting system, sound system, and wi-fi available. Kitchen Peretz Centre Kitchen Peretz Centre Kitchen Peretz Centre Kitchen 1/2 550 sqft Capacity: 20 people The kitchen, located right next to the Ben Chud Auditorium on the second floor, is fully equipped for a wide range of needs, from commercial catering to community cooking classes. (Included in full rate auditorium rentals.) Dishes, cutlery, glassware, and more are also available for food service and coffee/tea service. Kirman Library Kirman Library Kirman Library Kirman Library 1/2 345 sqft Capacity: 12 people In addition to holding a fascinating library of Yiddish and Jewish texts, the Kirman Library, is a conveniently sized meeting room equipped for in-person and hybrid/virtual events. Includes access to wi-fi and a full video conference system with a 65" TV. Schoolroom Schoolroom Schoolroom Schoolroom 1/2 1500 sqft Capacity: 30 people Thoughtfully designed to cater to the needs of both adults and kids, this cozy space is bright and welcoming and includes a small kitchen and washrooms. Perfect for dance practices, play rehearsals, classroom on the weekends (not available during the week). Additional Rental Amenities Round or rectangular tables, comfortable banquet chairs included. Also available by arrangement: whiteboards, underground parking, microphones, built-in sound system and stage lighting. Rental inquiries for the foyer on the second-floor (capacity: 30) are also welcome for social events, displays, luncheons, and more. Submit a Rental Inquiry Please provide as much information as possible in order to help us assess your booking needs. Given name* Family name* Organization name Email* Phone I am interested in renting:* Ben Chud Auditorium Kitchen Kirman Library Schoolroom Lounge (upstairs) Please provide a brief description of your event or program* Estimated number of attendees* Event date* Start time* Time : AM End time* Time : AM Additional information (optional) I want to book more than one day in a row I want to book a recurring day and time (weekly, monthly, etc.) How did you hear about the Peretz Centre?* Submit

Sign up here for one or more Vancouver Yiddish dance classes! To sign up a for a class, click the "register" button below and select from available dates (can only book one class at a time). ***Description*** In this workshop we will learn dances from the Yiddish repertoire that used to have different functions. We will look into the expressiveness of hands and facial gestures to convey a range of emotions as a relevant characteristic of Yiddish Dances. We will practice movement and spatial patterns that build the energy of the group such as in the zhok, bulgar, freilech, patsch tanz and sher. Additionally, we will have a taste of how these dances were influenced by the traditions of neighbouring communities and how they are being taught at Klezmer festivals nowadays. It is my hope that these dances will be adopted into our shared traditions and be part of our communal celebrations. Be ready to have a great time and dig deeper into Ashkenazi wisdom and joy. Modifications, including chair dancing, will be offered to welcome all bodies. ***Schedule & Fees*** Classes are on Tuesday evenings (6-7pm) from October 22 to November 26 2024. Drop ins: $18 per person (see package rate at our website) ***Instructor Bio*** Claudia Bulaievsky is a dance practitioner and educator who has experience teaching creative movement and dance to students of all backgrounds, from toddlers to seniors, in schools, after schools and community centres. She is passionate about learning dances from around the world, and can never stay still if a band is playing near her, usually encouraging others to explore their expressive playfulness as well. She believes that promoting Yiddish dances is not only a means towards learning about our origins and traditions but also a way to renew our communities with the joy of sharing a beautiful language of gestures and rhythms embedded in the moment.

What was Jewish life like in Eastern Europe? How did the political and economic upheavals of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries change Eastern European culture, and how do these changes still inform historical and cultural memory today? How did the changes in traditional Jewish life relate to gender and the place of women in society (and importantly, how do we queer these historical narratives)? Who were the Bund, and what was their relation to socialist movements of the time? What is a Shtetl, and how was it distinct from other types of communal settlement in Europe? In this course, we will explore these (and other) questions, focusing on the social, cultural and political changes that shaped the lives and cultures of Jews in Eastern Europe. Drawing on a wealth of literary, musical, and visual materials, as well as archival and historical documentation, we will encounter poets, radicals, artists, musicians and revolutionaries who lived, created and dreamed in Yiddish, and learn how they thought about their world and sought to change it for the better! ***Schedule & Fees*** This course includes 6 in-person classes from Oct. 22 to Nov. 26 (Tuesdays from 7-9pm) PLUS full access to the Zhargon lecture series (4 online talks by leading scholars in Yiddish Studies, dates and times TBA). The standard fee is $300, with reduced rate options available to address financial access barriers. ***Instructor Bios*** Jess Goldman (they/them) is a writer, comics artist, and amateur puppeteer based on the traditional, unceded lands of the Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh, and Musqueam peoples. Their writing has been published in Maisonneuve, the CBC, and Room Magazine. A graduate of University of British Columbia’s MFA in Creative Writing Program, their writing explores that sweet spot where Yiddishkayt and queer culture joyfully collide. Itamar Manoff (He/Him) is the co-executive director of the Peretz Centre. A PhD Candidate in the Department of Educational Studies at the University of British Columbia, Itamar is a community educator, language teacher and learner, and Jewish history enthusiast. He is a graduate of the Wallis Annenberg Helix-Yiddishkayt Fellowship (2018-2019), and has studied Yiddish at an advanced level at YIVO Institute for Jewish Research in New York. Itamar is also the co-founder of This is Not an Ulpan, a grassroots, cooperative language school dedicated to the principles of critical pedagogy and emancipatory education in Palestine and Israel.

Important: Registration is restricted to students who participated in the Year 1 cohort. The Peretz Centre's Pnei Mitzvah program offers students aged 10-13 a pluralistic, non-dogmatic approach to Jewish education and culture that emphasizes the humanist and progressive aspects of our heritage. Over two years of bi-weekly sessions, Pnei Mitzvah cohorts focus on literature, language, ethics, music, art, and dance to connect with and reinterpret traditions in new ways. Although children learn about Jewish spirituality and religious history, Peretz does not seek to promote particular religious commitments or doctrines. Peretz is an LGBTQ+ safe environment, and while we are rooted in the Ashkenazi humanist, yiddishist culture that gave birth to Peretz, Jews of all backgrounds are welcome, and the diversity of global Judaism is explored in our Pnei Mitzvah curriculum. *** Schedule & Fees *** Pnei Mitzvah classes (Year 2 cohort) take place two Sundays a month from 10am-12pm at the Peretz Centre, from October 20 to the Pnei Mitzvah celebration towards the end of the school year. Please note the following schedule, which may change according to your plans for the end of program ceremony (usually in June): - October 20 - November 3 & 24 - December 1 & 15 - January 19 & 26 - February 9 & 23 - March 9 & 23 - April 6 & 27 - May 4 & 25 - June 8 & 22 The standard fee for the course is $690 in Year 2. Payment plans are also available to address financial access barriers. *** Instructor Bio *** Tania Grinberg is a singer, composer, theatre actor, writer, illustrator, and animator who has performed around the world. As an educator in Vancouver and in Sao Paolo, Brazil, she helps students connect artistic expression in threatre, music, and more to Judaism. In 2021, she won the People's Choice Prize for "New Song in Yiddish" at the Bubbe Awards. https://www.taniatgrinberg.com/

Gliklekh in Goles is delighted to be partnering with the Peretz Centre to co-produce a Purim shpiel like you've never experienced. Satire! Solidarity! Jew-cy queer critique and so much more... Save the date: Evening of Thursday, March 13! Auditions: Sunday, Feb. 2 - 2-5pm  (Everyone who auditions gets a part! Learn more below ) As Yiddish researcher Miriam Borden explains , the Purim shpiel is a centuries-old tradition that makes up a rich part of the history of Jewish folk theatre, bringing together "parody, irony, social criticism, bawdy humour, and folklore." These "short comic plays" -- typically performed by non-professional actors -- are "a form of popular theatre that combines the elements of inversion and reversal that are intrinsically rooted in the holiday, with elements of carnival." How to Participate in the 2025 Purim Shpiel We're looking for community performers to collectively create and stage this one-time hamantaschen-loving, Netanyahu-hating brilliance.  3 rehearsals  Childcare provided AND Kiddoes welcome to participate  Everyone who auditions gets a part!  Auditions: Sunday, February 2nd (2-5pm)   Prepare two minutes of any performance form you feel embodies your spirit. 🎉 Register for auditions here 🎉

Hello Peretzniks, The Peretz Centre for Secular Jewish Culture is home to a vibrant, caring, progressive community that will celebrate our 80th anniversary in 2025. We are looking for members who are passionate about our community to join our board of directors! Who We Are Founded in 1945 to establish and conduct a school that provides students of all ages with a progressive and modern Jewish cultural education, 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. Our doors are open to people of diverse cultures, beliefs, genders and sexual orientation. Elections for the Board of Directors Elections for up to 9 board positions will take place at our Annual General Meeting on January 26, 2025 (2-4pm) . You must be a member in good standing to vote in the AGM. While many current board members will be running again, we are seeking new board members to help us continue to grow this wonderful institution. We need committed, enthusiastic, curious people who are willing to learn what this community is and commit their time, talent, and skills to grow together. What's Involved? We are a working board, meaning that you should expect to contribute 2-3 hours a week in order to support the organization, including monthly board meetings in the evenings. While this is a volunteer position and there is no remuneration, it’s a chance to get non-profit experience and more importantly, to build the present and future of Peretz. Board members will work alongside staff and volunteers in order to fulfill Peretz’s mandate: to provide a progressive and modern Jewish cultural education for students of all ages, including lectures, classes, holiday celebrations etc. with a focus on incorporating and promoting Yiddishkayt in our programming. You will have the opportunity to chair various committees, such as Programming, Finance, and Fundraising, as well as support events. Most exciting is that you will help Peretz celebrate its 80th anniversary this coming year!  If you have previous experience on a board or working at a non-profit we would love to hear from you! That being said, previous experience is not necessary. If you are passionate about Peretz and you want to help grow our community we encourage you to run as well! All board members will receive training on policies and procedures when they start, so everyone will feel confident and be equipped with all the necessary tools to help support Peretz. Come be a part of shaping the Peretz as a place to work towards peace and justice. If you are interested in running or are considering it and have questions or concerns, please contact our current President Aurel Matte and current Vice President Veronika Gorlova : BoardChair@peretz-centre.org veronika.gorlova@gmail.com

Hanukkah starts late in 2024, so we're hosting warm up events on Friday, December 13th and Sunday, December 15th to celebrate as a community (all are welcome). Contact our office with questions at info@peretz-centre.org Friday Night Hanukkah Singalong and Community Potluck Fraytik tsu Nakht (Friday night) Shabbes for Cultural Jews is a longstanding tradition of the Peretz Centre. Starting with songs and readings from our Secular Humanist booklet, we welcome members, friends, and newcomers to light candles, share food, and stay for a kids-friendly singalong of classic Hanukkah songs in Yiddish, Hebrew, Ladino, and English. Peretz staff have arranged for potato latkes and sfenj (Moroccan doughnuts) to commemorate the essential role of fried foods in Hanukkah celebrations. When: Friday, December 13th, 2024 (6pm-9pm) Where: The Peretz Centre for Secular Jewish Culture (6184 Ash Street) Admission: a contribution to the pot luck OR pay $18.00 per person (children under 13 and Pnei Mitzvah grads are free). Please register early to help us prepare enough food for everyone. How to Learn the Songs (Music, Lyrics, and Translations) Whether you want to learn or teach the songs, refresh your memory, or just sing them for fun, Donna, Dan, and Rivka made a playlist of the songs we have planned: Please note that we often sing secularized versions of traditional songs and some of the videos may be a bit different than the Peretz versions. Each video is linked with additional resources in the list below (click to expand): Ikh bin a Kleyner Dreydel (Yiddish) Listen and singalong with Karen Feldman's performance for Yiddish Oystralye on YouTube: Score, lyrics, and translations here: Ikh Bin A Kleyner Dreydel – The Yosl and Chana Mlotek Yiddish Song Collection at the Workers Circle I Have a Little Dreidel (English) Learn the lyrics along with the music in this video by Shaboom: Lyrics: I have a little dreidel, I made it out of clay, And when it's dry and ready, Then dreidel I shall play. Oh dreidel, dreidel, dreidel, I made it out of clay; Oh dreidel, dreidel, dreidel, Now dreidel I shall play. It has a lovely body, With leg so short and thin, And when it gets all tired, It drops and then I win. Oh dreidel, dreidel, dreidel, With leg so short and thin, Oh dreidel, dreidel, dreidel, It drops and then I win. My dreidel's always playful It loves to dance and spin A happy game of dreidel Come play-now let's begin Oh dreidel, dreidel, dreidel, I made it out of sand, Oh dreidel, dreidel, dreidel it crumbles in my hand! I have a little dreidl, I made it out of schmalz, And ev'ry time I spin it It does a little waltz. Maoz Tzur / Rock of Ages (Hebrew) We will sing Don Cooper's version of the traditional song Maoz Tzur (Rock of Ages), which you can listen to here: Khanike oy Khanike (Yiddish) This Yiddish version of Hanukkah Oh Hanukkah by Mordkhe Rivesman is performed by Pete Seeger in a video shared by Yiddishkayt channel: Score, lyrics, and translation here: Khanike, Oy Khanike – The Yosl and Chana Mlotek Yiddish Song Collection at the Workers Circle Lyrics: Khanike oy khanike, A yontev a sheyner​ A lustiger a freylikher, Nito nokh azeyner​ Ale nakht in dreydlakh shpiln mir​ Zudigheyse latkes esn mir​ Geshvinder tsindt kinder​ Di dininke likhtelekh on​ Lomir ale zingen, un lomir ale shvingen​ Un lomir ale tantzn in kon​ Lomir ale zingen, un lomir ale shvingen​ Un lomir ale tantzn in kon Hanukkah oh Hanukkah (English) In English, we joyfully share the recording by the Barenaked Ladies: Lyrics: Chanukah, Oh Chanukah, come light the Menorah​ Let's have a party, we'll all dance the hora​ Gather round the table, we'll all have a treat ​ Dreidls to play with, and latkes to eat.​ ​ And while we are playing, the candles are burning low​ ​ One for each night, they shed a sweet light ​ To remind us of days long ago. ​ One for each night, they shed a sweet light​ To remind us of days long ago. Sevivon sov sov sov (Hebrew) Savannah Kids made a video with the lyrics in Hebrew, plus translation in English to follow along: Transliteration: Sevivon, sov, sov, sov!  Chanukah, hu chag tov;  Chanukah, hu chag tov-  Sevivon, sov, sov, sov!  Dreydl spin spin spin  Chanukah is a nice holiday  Chag simchah hu la-am,   Nes gadol hayah sham;   Nes gadol hayah sham-   Chag simcha hu la-am.  It's a joyous holiday for the nation  A great miracle happened there  It's a joyous holiday for the people  Ocho kandelikas (Ladino) This choir performance of Ocho Kandelikas ("Eight Little Candles") by Flory Jagoda includes lyrics in Ladino and translations in English: A version for kids sung by Seth Hoffman provides the lyrics in Ladino to follow along too. Lyrics: Hanukah linda sta aki, Ocho kandelas para mi Hanukah linda sta aki, Ocho kandelas para mi Chorus: Una kandelika, dos kandelikas Tres kandelikas, kuatro kandelikas Sintyu kandelikas, seysh kandelikas Siete kandelikas, ocho kandelas para mi. Muchas fiestas vo fazer, con alegrias i plazer Muchas fiestas vo fazer, con alegrias i plazer (Chorus) Los pastelikas vo kumer, con almendrikas i la miel Los pastelikas vo kumer, con almendrikas i la miel (Chorus) Sheet Music: Light One Candle (English) A performance of Peter, Paul and Mary's folk song by Hassidic singer Benny Friedman : Sheet Music: Tsindt on Likhtlekh (Yiddish) Listen to Tsindt on Likhtlekh performed by the Lori Cahan-Simon Ensemble on YouTube: Sheet Music: Drey zikh, dreydele (Yiddish) Another one from YiddishOystralye, performed by Joshua Reuben and Tomi Kalinski: Lyrics in Yiddish, transliterated Yiddish, and English can be found here: Drey Zikh, Dreydele – The Yosl and Chana Mlotek Yiddish Song Collection at the Workers Circle Borukh Ate zingt der tate (Yiddish) Performed by The Peace of Heart Choir in New York City, including lyrics in Yiddish and English: Get Tickets for the Vancouver Jewish Folk Choir 2024 Hanukkah Concert After a long absence, the Vancouver Jewish Folk Choir will be performing our Hanukkah/Khanike repertoire at the Peretz Centre this year. The performance will featuring songs in Yiddish, Hebrew, and English ( see event details for the full repertoire). When: Sunday, December 15th, 2024 (2pm-3:30pm) Where: The Peretz Centre for Secular Jewish Culture (6184 Ash Street) Admission: Early-bird tickets are $15 ($10 for seniors) until Tuesday, Dec. 10th, or regular price $18 from Dec. 11th. Though the choir hasn't performed for Hanukkah at the Peretz Centre in many years, they regularly bring out their holiday repertoire at other locations in Vancouver. You can watch CBC's coverage on their 2023 concert at the downtown branch of the Vancouver Public Library: