OHEL YA'AKOV COMMUNITY KOLLEL
The Ohel Ya'akov Community Kollel is a Canadian nonprofit organization based in Vancouver, British Columbia, registered under Business Number 891376121RR0001. Established in 2000, it focuses on fostering Jewish identity and community engagement through educational, cultural, and social programs. The organization aims to address disengagement among Jewish adults by providing inclusive, nonjudgmental spaces for exploration of Jewish heritage.

Mission and Programs
The Kollel emphasizes inclusivity, offering events and classes tailored to individuals aged 24–50, particularly those with limited prior involvement in organized Jewish life. Key initiatives include Friday night dinners, holiday celebrations, and daily prayer services designed to build social connections and religious literacy. Educational programming spans Torah study, Jewish philosophy, and practical life-cycle guidance, catering to diverse levels of observance.

Leadership and Impact
Rabbi Yossi Kaplan and Chaya Mushka Kaplan, along with Rabbi Yussi and Raizy Fischer, have played central roles in shaping the organization’s vision. Their approach prioritizes accessibility, blending traditional teachings with modern outreach methods. The Kollel is noted for its role as a gateway for unaffiliated individuals to integrate into broader Jewish communal networks, with thousands participating in its activities since inception.

Collaborations and Recognition
The organization operates in partnership with local entities, including the Maple Grill pop-up restaurant, which shares its facility. It receives support from donors such as the Diamond Foundation, underscoring its established presence in Vancouver’s Jewish philanthropic landscape. The Kollel’s model has been highlighted for its success in bridging gaps between secular and religious Jewish communities through grassroots engagement.

[1] https://thekollel.com [2] https://www.jewishvancouver.com/community-directory/ohel-yaakov-community-kollel [3] https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/ohel-yaakov-community-kollel/ [4] https://thekollel.com/about-us/ [5] https://www.maplegrillpopup.com/about-4