Connecting with the public is one of the biggest priorities for Richmond's Jewish community.
The Kehila Society is an umbrella for the Jewish agencies in Richmond and is one of five new organizations joining the Richmond's annual Open Doors event from June 2 to 5.
It overlooks three Richmond synagogues, the Beth Tikvah Congregation and Centre, The Bayit and Chabad Richmond as well as the Richmond Jewish Day School.
According to Lynne Fader, co-executive director of The Kehila Society, Richmond has the second largest Jewish community in the Lower Mainland.
She said joining Doors Open is a way for the members of the Richmond community to better understand the city's Jewish community, their faith and what they do in the city.
“We think that the Doors Open event is a great opportunity for us to bring our (Jewish) community to the Richmond community, and to just be part of a multi-faith exposure in the city that we work in,” said Fader.
“I think it’s important for people to see what’s out there, not only for resources, but just the diversity of our community.”
Unfortunately, the synagogues and the school will not be open for in-person visits due to a religious observance.
Fader told the Richmond News that their doors will be closed because it is their Sabbath day, which is observed from Friday sundown to Saturday sundown.
“Synagogues are engaged in prayers during this time so this is why our doors will be closed,” said Fader.
“I find the community does amazing events that we’d love to participate in, but we are restricted sometimes by the standards of our culture.”
Another reason, for the society to take part virtually in this year's Doors Open is due to “the rise in anti-Semitism.”
“There has been a security burden of keeping people safe, whether they’re Jewish or not, while they are in the building and it has become a challenge,” explained Fader.
“It’s just a very challenging time for certain religions and cultures to open their doors with the increase in hate in various communities.”
Instead, The Kehila Society has produced a video that will be posted on their website during the evening to explain their purpose and what they do within and around Richmond.
Whether it be culture or religion, Fader believes any cultural diversity and connection is important to build a stronger and more positive community when given the opportunity.
