About
Our Mission
The Jewish Museum and Archives of BC (JMABC) is committed to collecting, preserving, and sharing the rich history of Jewish life in British Columbia.
Our extensive collection includes hundreds of thousands of textual records and photographs, and more than 1,000 oral history interviews, documenting the many and varied experiences of our community since 1858. Through innovative online exhibits, public programs, and educational initiatives, we connect with BC’s diverse communities, fostering greater understanding and appreciation of the long legacy of Jews in the region.
History
The Jewish Historical Society of British Columbia (JHSBC) was founded on January 25, 1971, under the direction of historian Cyril Leonoff, with assistance from the National Council of Jewish Women and Canadian Jewish Congress, Pacific Region. Over the years, the society amassed a wealth of historical materials, preserving the stories of Jewish migration, community building, and cultural contributions across BC.
By 2002, it became clear that the JHSBC’s expanding collection would demand a dedicated archives. The JHSBC–operating as the Jewish Museum and Archives of British Columbia (JMABC)–officially opened to the public on March 25, 2007, and now serves as the leading institution for collecting, documenting, and disseminating the province’s Jewish cultural heritage.
Currently, our extensive archives have grown to house over 325 linear metres of textual records, more than 325,000 photographs, and more than 1,000 oral history interviews, covering all aspects of Jewish life in BC from 1858 to the present. These collections, sourced from over 70 organizations, families, and individuals, form the foundation of our research and public programs, including exhibits, lectures, walking tours, media content, and publications.
The work of the Jewish Museum and Archives of BC is made possible through the support of:
And through the support of family foundations and community donors.
People (Board & Staff)
Jewish Museum and Archives of BC Leadership Team
Executive Director
Eli Klasner
Director of Operations
Marcy Babins
Director of Archives
Alysa Routtenberg
Director of Programming
Elana Wenner
Archives Technician
Ephrem King
Jewish Museum and Archives of BC Board of Directors
President
Daniella Givon
Vice-President
Molly Winston
Secretary
Judith Gurfinkel
Treasurer
Michael Levy
Directors-at-Large
Ruthi Akselrod-Pinto
Sherri Barkoff
Jill Cordes
Howard Harowitz
Jonathan Lerner
Cindi Pohl
Ross Sadoff
Barb Schober
Abbey Westbury
Amber Woods
Council of Governors
Gary Averbach
Isabelle Diamond
Marie Doduck
Michael Geller
Bill Gruenthal
Carol Herbert
Cyril Leonoff, z”l, Founder
Richard Menkis
Perry Seidelman, Interim Chair
Ronnie Tessler
Board Portal
Media Resources
Looking for JMABC imagery for your story? We’d like to help! Contact our archives team.
Press
Extra! Extra! People are talking about the JMABC! Read about us here.
