Read about the latest happenings at the JCCV.
- Newsletter — October 2026
Welcome to October at the JCCV! As Victoria’s only non-religious, cultural place for Jews to gather, enjoy lunch, bring friends and family, and connect through community programming, we are excited about our full slate of upcoming events and workshop.
Do you have ideas for programs? Get involved!
October is Membership Renewal Month
Please take a moment to renew your annual membership and help keep our community vibrant.
October 10th – 15th: Victoria International Jewish Film Festival (VIJFF)
Tickets are going fast—don’t wait and be disappointed! Please visit the festival site for a complete schedule of film dates, times, and screenings.
Remembering Dolly
You only have to mention her first name and everyone knows who you are referring to — Dolly Parton. Besides having so many wonderful attributes and talent, she was a great humanitarian and philanthropist.
Want to read more? Read how Dolly inspired a Jewish book program for kids that has won a place in homes near and far.
Upcoming Programs & Workshops
This is a busy month at the JCCV with many interesting programs!
Browse below and register online here.Z,B&Me
Starts Sunday, October 11th | 10:00am – 11:30am at the JCCV
This program is for 3–6 year olds with the Bubbies and/or Zaidies. Ari is looking forward to songs, stories, crafts and fun. An adult must accompany their child. Parents are welcome.
Cost: Members: Free | Non-Members: $10/sessionTech Mavens
Starts Tuesday, October 13th (Every 2nd Tuesday) | 11:00am – 12:00noon
Come meet Leah and enjoy some lively discussion about all things tech.
Cost: Members: Free | Non-Members: $5/sessionWhat’s Your Story? (6-Week Course)
Thursdays, October 15th – November 19th | 12:30pm – 2:00pm
Every day you gain life experience that adds to the treasury of stories that you hold. In this six-week course, work with writing mentor Susie Berg to identify key stories, learn writing-craft tools, and apply them to a final version. This course develops writing skills and builds community across generations.
Susie Berg is a writer, editor, and writing coach. She is the author of two full-length poetry collections and three chapbooks, teaching writers from age 8 through adulthood.
Cost: Members: $50 | Non-Members: $75Live & Learn Series: “Is There Anything Computers Can’t Do?”
Thursday, October 15th | 2:00pm at the JCCV
Nearly every part of modern life involves computers in some way. Technology is constantly changing and new developments (such as generative AI) have computers doing things that would have been unbelievable even a few years ago. How far can this go? Is there anything computers can’t do? Surprisingly, the answer is “yes”! This presentation will describe how mathematicians reason about computers and how we know that some problems can never be solved by a computer, no matter how powerful the technology becomes.
Cost: Members: Free | Non-Members: $10Survivors (A Play Directed by Zelda Dean)
Sunday, October 18th | 2:00pm at the JCCV
Survivors is a play directed by Zelda Dean. “Survivors explores hatred, the capacity to survive and thrive, and serves as a call to consciousness for our challenging present. Combining history with life lessons, the audience is guided through a time when hatred was normalized. The audience is both uplifted by the survivors’ triumphs and inspired to take action against present and future racism and hate.
Cost: Donation upon registration.
Registration: Please contact gm@holocausttheatre.com
Clubs & Regular Activities
JCCV Book Club: Run by Cyril and Leah, this online book club meets the second Wednesday of the month at 11:00am via Zoom. Visit jccvictoria.ca/bookclub for details.
Drop-in Mahj: Every Tuesday at the JCCV, 1:30pm – 4:00pm. (Members: Free | Non-Members: $5/session).
JCCV Golf Group: Plays on Mondays and Thursdays at Cedar Hill Golf Course. All genders welcome! Contact us to join the mailing list.
Around the Centre
The JCCV Deli: Jackie is here and ready to make a delicious lunch for you! Eat in or take away. There is plenty of oom to eat in the Larry Gontovnick Multi-Purpose Room, and we have frozen soups available to enjoy at home.
Gift Shop: Check out our new t-shirts and mezuzot from 11:30am – 1:30pm, Tuesday to Friday. Looking for Shabbat, yahrzeit, or havdalah candles? Need Bar/Bat Mitzvah, Get Well, or Mazel Tov cards? We have them all!
Library: Located in the front meeting room, accessible 11:30am – 1:30pm (unless reserved for a program). You are welcome to borrow from our permanent collection. (Please note: We are not accepting new book donations at this time.)
In the Community
Saanich Green Market (Jewish Family Services):
Sunday, October 11th & 25th | 10:30am – 12:30pm.
Located in the parking lot next to the JCCV (or inside Cedar Hill Scout Hall if raining). Shop fresh local produce, free-range eggs, bouquets from a local florist, and enjoy warm homemade soup.From our friends at Kolot Mayim:
Check out their scheduled 2026–2027 lecture series events.
View Kolot Mayim Lecture Series →
