Read about the latest happenings at the JCCV.
- JCCV Newsletter — November 2026
This month is packed with exciting highlights, including a special pop-up deli featuring Buzzy’s famous Montreal Smoked Meat from Salt Spring Island, our early-bird Chanukah shop opening, a silent auction for a signed Wendel Clark jersey, and the kickoff for Latke Mania!
Alongside our regular programming like Kvetch and Kvell, and Susie Berg’s life-writing workshop, we are thrilled to welcome back Professor Simon Devereaux for a captivating Live & Learn talk on “The War of the Windsors”.
Membership Renewal Season
Membership renewal season is upon us! If you have already renewed, thank you! If you have not, please do so on our membership page. The JCC is not affiliated with a synagogue and operates independently. Our funding comes from memberships, our deli, our Victoria International Jewish Film Festival, and donations. Please support us as we provide a safe place for everyone to come have a nosh, visit, learn, and play.
Buzzy’s is Coming to Town!
After many attempts, Buzzy’s of Salt Spring Island is bringing his smoked meat and his Buzzy’s mishpacha to the JCCV! He will be offering all the favourites: The Rabinowitz, The Hungry Jew, latkes, pickles, rugelach, and more—all starring their own Montreal Smoked Meat and amazing Smoked Turkey.
When: Sunday, November 22nd, 2026 from 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Where: At the JCC, in the Larry Gontovnick Multi-Purpose Room
Details: Come, bring a friend, bring your appetite, bring your sense of humor. For a full menu, click to visit our ‘Buzzy’s in Victoria’ page.
Chanukah Shop Opening — New Stock has arrived!
Chanukah is December 4th – 12th. We have received our shipment of Chanukah goods and will have them on display in the new Edward and Nancy Last Activity Room. The room will be open Sunday, November 22nd, so you can shop before or after enjoying Buzzy’s delights!
Silent Auction
Drop by the JCCV and enter a silent auction bid for an official Toronto Maple Leafs jersey (#17), signed by Wendel Clark.
Starting Bid: $100
Ballots: Available at the front desk.
Bidding Closes: Friday, November 27th at 1:30 PM.
Winner Contacted: Tuesday, December 1st.
A terrific gift for a hockey lover or memorabilia collector!
Save the Date — JCCV AGM
When: Thursday, December 17th at 6:30 PM via Zoom.
More info in the December Newsletter.
Latke Mania!
Dates: December 1st to 18th
Price: $3.00 each (sell out fast!)
Pre-orders (1 Dozen or More): Arranged beginning December 1st by calling 250-477-7185 or email jccv@telus.net.
Small Amounts: Drop by anytime, no pre-order necessary.
Upcoming Programs & Workshops
To sign up for programs visit our registration page.
Kvetch & Kvell Crafting Circle
Schedule: Starting November 18, every Wednesday, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM at the JCC
Cost: Free for Members
Details: Do you have a project you are working on? Knitting, crochet, diamond art, coloring, drawing, puzzles? Bring your project and work in the room with others. Share your kvetches, share your kvells, and have some fun. Everyone welcome.
What’s Your Story? (6-Week Course)
Schedule: Thursdays, 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM
Cost: Members: $50 | Non-Members: $75
Details: It’s not too late! Susie Berg leads this course developing writing-craft skills, helping you identify key stories from your life and apply them to a final version to share with future readers.
Live & Learn Series: “The War of the Windsors: Charles and Diana 1981–1997”
Schedule: Thursday, November 19th at 2:00 PM
Cost: Members: Free | Non-Members: $10
Details: Professor Simon Devereaux is back! The marriage of Charles, Prince of Wales, to Lady Diana Spencer ended in mutual acrimony relentlessly detailed by the press. This talk reviews the story and considers how close it came to destroying the British monarchy. Refreshments will be served.
Special Recognition
Have you been enjoying JCCV’s Spotlight on Jewish Culture? Jennie Preuss has researched and put together over 50 Spotlights over the years. Jennie, your dedication to highlighting our culture is so appreciated by all of us. We look forward to more Spotlights!
In the Community
(News from our neighbours — not programs of the JCCV)
“Chanukah Miracle, Milestone and Metaphor” — Interactive Art Workshop
Facilitator: Alan Briks, MA, ATR-BC
When: Sunday, November 29th from 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Where: Social Hall at Congregation Emanu-El (1461 Blanshard St)
Details: An interactive art workshop attuned to spirituality with musical elements, gentle movement, and writing. Open to all adults, non-artists, and artists alike. All materials provided.
Fee: Minimum suggested donation of $25 (cash or cheque in an envelope).
Registration: Email a-bri@shaw.ca.Lech Lecha — Journeys of the Soul (Kolot Mayim’s Speaker Series)
Featured Talk: Adam Kirsch — Reclaiming Zionism after October 7th
When: December 13th, 2026
Details & Registration: Visit kolotmayimreformtemple.com
