Shalom & Welcome to
The Jewish Chaplaincy Society
Where Judaism is relevant, meaningful, and joyful.
“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? Can we talk?
Our Team
Meet Rabbi Dina-Hasida Mercy
I am an independent, liberal Rabbi living in Vancouver, BC, Canada. Currently, I am chaplain of the Jewish Chaplaincy Society. I believe that everyone should have access to their traditions regardless of the directions our lives sometimes take. I am available for life cycle ceremonies, teaching, and spiritual counselling.
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.
Full ONLINE CALENDAR OF SHABBAT CANDLE LIGHTING, READINGS, HOLIDAYS AND FAST HERE
Important Upcoming Holidays
Sukkot
Begins sunset of Monday, October 6, 2025
Ends nightfall of Monday, October 13, 2025
Sukkot, (Hebrew: סוכות or סֻכּוֹת, sukkōt, or sukkos, Feast of Booths, Feast of Tabernacles) is a Torah-commanded Jewish holiday celebrated for seven days, beginning on the 15th day of the month of Tishrei. It is one of the Three Pilgrimage Festivals on which Israelites were commanded to make a pilgrimage to the Temple in Jerusalem.