Simone and Howard Kallner have both been a part of the Schara Tzedeck family for many generations.  Simone is a fourth-generation Schara Tzedeck member and our children, fifth.

Simone was born and raised in Vancouver to Robert and Marilyn Krell, both of whom also have long histories with Schara Tzedeck. Robert, a young immigrant who survived the Holocaust, came with his parents from Holland and were members and strong supporters of Schara Tzedeck from their arrival. With strong orthodox backgrounds and a love for Judaism and family, even after their lives had been uprooted by tragedy, they found family, friends and comfort in Schara Tzedeck. 

Marilyn Davis, also born and raised in Vancouver, was a long-time member and already third generation to Schara Tzedeck, as her grandfather David Davis was a founding member. Simone’s grandfather, Charlie Davis, also continued in his father’s footsteps with his commitment to the shul and as a past president.

Howard came to Vancouver at four years old with his parents, Basil and Selma Kallner, from South Africa. Both from orthodox families and settling in Richmond, they helped establish the first shul in Richmond, Eitz Chaim, so they could observe Shabbat along with other families. Shortly after, they moved to Schara Tzedeck, finding comfort in the traditions, the prayers and the family shared there. 

We have been blessed to have a long history at Schara Tzedeck and to have been comforted in the joys as well as the losses throughout the years. Rabbi Heir married Simone’s parents in the Shul; Rabbi Baumol married Howie and Simone; Rabbi Pacht performed our son’s bris; Rabbi Rosenblatt did the baby naming of our three children and their bar and bat mitzvahs. We are particularly grateful to Rabbi Rosenblatt for his friendship, leadership and commitment to our shul and our community over the last 20 years! Both Howard and Simone have been involved in Schara Tzedeck as volunteers in various capacities for many years, with their children alongside many charitable initiatives.