Welcome to the site of

The Jewish Chaplanicy Society

“The Jewish Chaplaincy Society believes in supporting the many Jews and their families who may wish to express their Jewishness in a non-synagogue setting.”

How can we help you?

Our Clergy

Rabbi Dina-Hasida Mercy

I am an independent, liberal Rabbi living in Vancouver, BC, Canada. Currently, I serve as one of the Clergy at The Jewish Chaplaincy Society

I am available for life cycle ceremonies, teaching, and spiritual counselling.  I believe that everyone should have access to their traditions regardless of the directions our lives sometimes take.

Our Outreach

Welcoming the Shabbat

You may ask why the first mitzvah of Shabbat is the kindling of lights. That is because Shabbat is actually a celebration of the Creator and His Creation. G‑d’s creation of the world follows a seven-day cycle, which peaks each Shabbat and begins anew. At Creation, the first thing that was brought into being was light. Therefore, it is appropriate to kindle lights at the start of Shabbat in commemoration of the first light that was created.

ONLINE CALENDAR OF SHABBAT CANDLE LIGHTING, READINGS, HOLIDAYS, AND FAST HERE

Important Upcoming Festivals & Holidays

The Three Weeks

Thursday, July 2, 2026, through Thursday, July 23, 2026

Work permitted, except Shabbat
This annual Jewish mourning period commemorates the destruction of the Holy Temples in Jerusalem and other major tragedies in Jewish history.