Mission Statement

Chabad of Vancouver Island is dedicated to serving all Jews on Vancouver Island, regardless of religious background or financial status.

Chabad helps to ensure Jewish identity and continuity through a variety of educational, religious, and social services that increase Jewish pride, knowledge, and commitment.

Rabbi Meir and Chani are here for you. Please contact us for any matter. We're waiting for you 24/7.

Rabbi Meir Kaplan
Director

Rabbi Meir was born and raised in Tzefat, Israel, where his father was the founder and director of Chabad institutions and his mother worked as a teacher of advanced Jewish studies in a women’s college in the city.  Meir studied in rabbinical colleges in Tzfat, Tel Aviv and New York for over 10 years. During those years, he served as a student intern, providing educational programs and holiday events in Eastern Europe. Upon completion of his studies, he was ordained by leading Rabbis from America & Israel. Rabbi Kaplan was a teacher and a Rosh Yeshiva in Oak Park, MI and Queens, NY before he accepted his current position.

In the last six years, under his leadership, Chabad of Vancouver Island has grown from a home-based institution to a vibrant centre for Jewish life, serving hundreds of Jewish families on the island with a wide variety of religious and social programs.

Rabbi's Blog

Mrs. Chani Kaplan
Program Director

Mrs. Chani Kaplan grew up in Oak Park, Michigan, where her father served as a Chabad rabbi for over twenty years. She studied at the local Chabad cheder and high school. She completed her college years in Beth Chana of Tzefat, Israel, and graduated with a teacher's degree majoring in Judaic Studies.

Chani taught for a year at Chabad in Anchorage, Alaska, where she was involved in developing the program serving the Jewish children in the community. When Chani returned to her home town, she taught at the Jewish elementary school.

With her passion for children and education, immediately upon her arrival in Victoria, she started a Jewish play group in the house basement. Today, Chabad Preschool, the only Jewish preschool on Vancouver Island, is a full-day program based at the “Jewish Education Centre.” In addition, Chani directs the successful, weekly Chabad Hebrew School on Sundays, and all children’s programs of Chabad Vancouver Island.