The Claman family has had an almost continuous presence at Schara Tzedeck since 1953 when newlyweds Dr. David and Gerry Claman settled in Vancouver, within walking distance from the shul.

David built a busy ObGyn medical practice – distinguishing himself as the favoured ObGyn to the Jewish community; and Gerry established herself as an amateur actress in local live theatre. Rabbi Goldenberg was the Rabbi at the time with a very young Rabbi Marvin Hier as his assistant. Together with Rabbi Hier, David started a Talmud class for physicians and acted as vice president of the board.

Gerry was an active participant in the Schara Tzedeck sisterhood. Paul, Jeffrey and Tammy were born and all had their bnei mitzvot at Schara Tzedeck. Paul and Jeffrey immersed themselves in Vancouver’s newly emerging and highly regarded NCSY chapter under the charismatic leadership of Rabbi Hier and Pinchas Bak.

Jeffrey and Vivian had already met much earlier at Camp Hatikvah but it was through NCSY and ST events that they really connected. The profound sadness around the premature passing of Dr David z’l’ was shared by the entire ST community. Paul and Jenny’s wedding took place at ST with Rabbi Hier while Vivian and Jeffrey opted for an outdoor wedding under the stars with the newly ordained Rabbi Yosef Wosk presiding. After a prolonged absence while Jeffrey did his training in Psychiatry and Vivian was a successful fashion designer in Montreal they returned to Vancouver with first born toddler Rahel in tow, and rejoined the ST community with Rabbi Feuerstein at the helm. Jeffrey came onto the board for the first of two terms, and Ariel and Eliana arrived shortly thereafter.

Vivian initiated a woman’s education series( with Ann Goldberg), several wine and cheese events (together with Bill Ornstein z’l’) and helped in the design and raising funds for the new mikvah. She became a mikvah attendant and eventually the chair of the mikvah committee, contributions for which she was later recognized with a coveted ST award. Rahel learned with Rabbi Avi Baumol for her Bat Mitzvah.

Ariel prepared for his bar mitzvah with Rabbi Baumol and Rev Marciano; and Eliana studied for her bat mitzvah with Rabbi Rosenblatt. Eliana was one of the first girls to deliver her speech from the Bima after Shabbat services; and to lead a didactic afternoon class for women.

Michel and June Mielnicki
Vivian persuaded her survivor parents, Michel and June Mielnicki to join the shul; and after many years at Beth Israel with second husband David Kline z’l’, Gerry returned to ST and went on to initiate a successful educational dinner series for seniors with illustrious guest speakers. Jeffrey continues to serve as on the ST board nominating committee; and has recently joined the Chevra kadisha. 

When not out of town, Vivian and Jeffrey attend Shul every Shabbat, festival day and at almost every Shul program and dinner; and Jeff in attendance at morning minyan.