Article: Philanthopist, scholar and art collector Yosef Wosk steps back in search of meaning. Feb. 1, 2023.

Georgia Straight Review of his book Gidal.

To read the full review with photographs, click here.

BC BookWorld article on Gidal. Winter 2022-2023 Edition

BC BookWorld article on Gidal. Winter 2022-2023 Edition

YOSEF WOSK

“in the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.”

The Medford Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People presents this award to Rabbi Yosef J. Wosk today, January 14, 1990 at the eleventh observance of the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. because you are a person who has been instrumental in opening paths to improve the quality of life. This award is presented to one who is a genuinely caring human being. One who cares for all persons, regardless of their race, color, or creed. [Key to the City ceremony]

*      *      *      *       *     *      *

As a member of the Tri-City Human Rights Committee, you advocate for the rights of people in institutions and half-way houses. In spite of your demanding schedule, you always fulfill your responsibility to the State mandated two-person visits to the various Tri-City facilities; subsequently reporting your observations to the committee along with evaluations and suggestions for improvement.

In April 1988, you were appointed by Mayor McGlynn to serve on the Medford Housing Partnership, a group of city officials and private citizens who work towards providing more affordable housing in Medford.

While performing as Chaplain of the Walpole MCI, you worked diligently to improve the quality of life of those who were incarcerated.

For the past three years, you have encouraged efforts to reach out to the priests and ministers of the Medford Clergy Association and their Congregants, to join Temple Shalom in honouring the memory of the six million Jews who were slaughtered and cremated by the Nazis in their infamous concentration camps and crematoria, along with remembering that five million non-Jews were also murdered by the Nazis in the camps.

You have participated in the University of Life Series as an astute Bible Study Leader. It has been said that the Old Testament comes alive with your creative teaching. You are a learned man in Theology, Art, and Psychology, all of which are expressed in your teaching and outreach.

You have been in the Medford community for three and a half years. You came as a single person but have recently become married. Since you have been in Medford, we have observed that you have made an effort to enrich relationships with all segments of the Medford community. Your heritage of suffering due to your ethnic persecution has made you sensitive to the struggles of those in similar circumstances.

One of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr’s earliest awards was given him by Brandeis University, and cited him as the Moses of his people. Your desire to improve relationships across racial lines has been reflected in members of your congregation as they have encountered individuals in the community and participated in civic activities.

We are aware that few of us can measure up to either Moses or Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., but if eventually humanity is to achieve the oneness that God expects, it is important that leaders do all in their power to dissolve barriers to this unity.

By encouraging experiences of intercultural exchange, and by your readiness to participate on various civic boards and committee, you are keeping open the pathway to peace and justice, in the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

*

If we ever misplaced civilization . . .
“Soon after you meet Yosef Wosk (who’ll be played by Ian Holm in the movie version), you get the feeling that if we ever misplaced civilization, we could start it up again with him.”
— “Cranking up ‘Great Conversation’” by Dan Murphy in his column Snapshots, The Province (January 13, 2002)

The city’s angel
“He is the city’s angel and he is my angel.”
— Vancouver City Councillor Elizabeth Ball, in thanking Wosk for his support of the arts and endowing the Poet Laureate (2007)

A Renaissance man of the 21st century
“Yosef Wosk is a Renaissance man of the 21st century. A rabbi, scholar, businessman and art collector, he is a revered educator and community activist who inspired many to become engaged in global issues and local challenges. Former Director of Interdisciplinary Programs in Continuing Studies at Simon Fraser University, he founded the Philosophers’ Café and the Canadian Academy of Independent Scholars. A poet, explorer and dedicated philanthropist involved with museums, the arts, social services, publishing, nature and heritage conservation, he has endowed hundreds of libraries worldwide.”
— Citation from the Governor General on being inducted as an Officer of the Order of Canada (2020)

Touched the hearts of all
“I wanted to personally thank you for your generous gift…to support our arts and culture community. In the midst of a significant health crisis caused by COVID-19, your contribution has touched the hearts of all of us. Your pledge also serves as an exemplary gesture of generosity to inspire other donors in our community during these challenging times.”
— Vancouver Mayor Kennedy Stewart (May 19, 2020)

Another extraordinary gesture
“Thank you so very much for another extraordinary gesture, and this time during a time of exceptional stress and hardship for the arts and culture community.
I asked the Mayor’s Office if I could follow up with you directly and they agreed but with the caveat that I extend my deep gratitude from the Mayor for your leadership. … Thank you again for demonstrating your characteristic empathy and generosity during these difficult times.”
— Sandra Singh, General Manager of Arts, Culture, and Community Services,City of Vancouver (April 2, 2020)

Astonishing ideals
“…We know you well—as a prominent scholar and spiritual leader, a generous spirit and tireless advocate for the arts, and as an example of the real benefit an individual of dedication and creativity can bring to a community. You once said of poetry that ‘It is a noble art that inspires its recipients to achieve greater lives, to rededicate themselves to astonishing ideals of a better world.’ It seems that individuals too can provide such inspiration.”
— The Honourable Carole Taylor, Minister of Finance, British Columbia (2007)

Extraordinary leadership
“As Premier of the Province of British Columbia, I would like to acknowledge the contributions of Yosef Wosk, O.B.C., to the intellectual, artistic and cultural life of Vancouver [and] to salute Dr. Wosk for the extraordinary leadership he has shown, not only in education, but also in the support of arts, social services, museums, heritage conservation and libraries… His significant contributions to our society have earned him the admiration of his peers and he is an inspiration to us all.”
— Premier Gordon Campbell (2007)

Has brought worldwide honour to Vancouver
“Yosef is the world leader in inspiring important, exhilarating and accessible conversations that enhance our culture. I cited his work most recently at an address…at the New York Public Library, where I acclaimed his work in establishing the Philosophers’ Café. He has brought worldwide honour to Vancouver by leading the way towards a stronger civic life.”
— Ron Gross, Father of the Independent Scholar Movement in North America; co-chair, University Seminar on Innovation in Education, Columbia University (2007)

Key to the City
“Be it hereby known to all that the Mayor, on behalf of the citizens of Medford, offers sincere congratulations to Rabbi Yosef Wosk in recognition of your five years of outstanding and dedicated service to the Temple Shalom community. The people of Medford extend their very best wishes and express the hope for future good fortune and continued success in all endeavors.”
— Presented with a Key to the City and Official Mayoral Citation by Mayor Michael J. McGlynn, Medford, Massachusetts.
[Medford is one of America’s earliest settlements, founded in 1630 and incorporated a City in 1892.] (October 6, 1991)

Exceptional encouragement and devotion
“This Award has only once before been presented to a distinguished individual during the course of the history of our organization. Your exceptional encouragement and your devotion to the heritage community, your support of projects ranging from museums, galleries, libraries and archives as well as other civic endeavors including heritage preservation and excellence in literature and design, has given us a great standard to achieve and great inspiration. Our recognition is … [for the] encouragement you have given us and many others in British Columbia and across Canada.”
— Karen Bachmann, President, Canadian Museums Association, announcement of President’s Award / Prix du Président (2018)

The Lone Ranger of Literary Funding in B.C.
“Initiative sponsored by poet and philosopher Yosef Wosk, to increase public awareness of B.C. authors. Yosef remains inspirational as the Lone Ranger of Literary Funding in B.C.”
— Alan Twigg, “About”, Two Literary Maps of BC (2022)

Vancouver’s Power 50 — “Fierce intelligence and innate compassion”
Listed among the 50 most powerful individuals in the City, in the 11th Annual Power 50 rankings that celebrated “The Power of Wisdom”. Excerpt: “Yosef has earned a stellar reputation. He’s lectured around the world and is admired for his combination of fierce intelligence and innate compassion.”
— Vancouver Magazine (December 2011)

“Honouring those who shape Vancouver”
The Museum of Vancouver — City Legacy Award was presented to Morris J. Wosk, obm, and Yosef Wosk for their extensive history of philanthropic work both locally and abroad. The rare award honouring city visionaries, recognizes those who have shown outstanding vision and commitment to building a foundation for the city of Vancouver so it could flourish, and whose enduring legacy can still be felt today.
— (October 6, 2014)

Extraordinary commitment
“Dr. Wosk is truly an inspiration. His commitment to the arts, education, culture and libraries is extraordinary.”
— Diana Guinn, President of the BC Library Association (2005)

Immense patience, intuition and capacity for reflection
“Incredible riches from the history of photography that defy any easy categorization…. Many of these pictures we have seen time and again in different publications, but it is an entirely new sensation to encounter them in the vulnerability of the original print with all its nuances, sometimes imperfections and graininess…. It takes someone of immense patience, intuition and capacity for reflection to assemble this kind of collection and I am so glad that Yosef Wosk did it.”
— Christopher Grabowski, The Tyee (March 10, 2006)

Your passion for British Columbia is without equal
“You are indeed a philanthropist who makes a difference. Your passion for British Columbia whether it is for the creative community or other communities, is without equal. … ‘Art inhabits the continuum from the dawn of creation to the end of time’. These words [from your] ‘Final Word’, underscore the importance of art and design in our lives.”
— Keith Mitchell, Chairman of the British Columbia Achievement Foundation (December 10, 2014)

Cultural hero honoured for his visions, actions, legacies
The following inscription describes characteristics of the laureate as depicted in the medal designed by Robert Davidson: “Cultural hero; spirited, undaunted, fearless, bold. Raising our awareness to a higher understanding.” Excerpt from citation: “When Dr. Yosef Wosk speaks, people listen. As an educator, Dr. Wosk inspires and engages. As a scholar, Dr. Wosk’s influence and contribution to initiatives that enhance our intellectual progress is almost unequalled. As a philanthropist, Dr. Wosk’s generosity is enormous….He demonstrates his passion for preserving and enhancing the intellectual and cultural life of the university, his city and his province. We honour Yosef Wosk today for the visions he sees, the actions he takes and the legacies he establishes.”
— British Columbia Community Achievement Award (March 10, 2009)

Truly a remarkable man
— His Honour, Garde Gardom, former lieutenant governor of B.C., referred to Wosk as “truly a remarkable man” in a speech before 400 attendees at the JNF Negev Dinner, Four Seasons Hotel. (April 14, 2002)

An extraordinary contribution; a marvel; a truly remarkable renaissance man
“What an extraordinary contribution you have made & indeed continue to make, Yosef. You are a marvel and set the bar high for our community.” In another note Christopher wrote: “You have done so much for Vancouver over the years my dear Yosef—you are a truly remarkable renaissance man.”
— Christopher Gaze, OBC, Founder and Artistic Director, Bard On The Beach (2019)

Generosity, zeal, and expansive humanitarianism
“Once again you enrich us as a community with your generosity, zeal, and expansive humanitarianism.”
— Prof. Michael Higgins, President, St. Mark’s College and Corpus Christi College, UBC (2022)

A true friend and champion
“The Canadian Federal Government has finally discovered, by awarding you the Order of Canada, what the Alcuin Society Board has known for many years. That you are a true friend and champion of the book, the arts, reading, learning and culture.”
— Prof. Richard Hopkins, Chair, The Alcuin Society (2020)

Made an indelible difference in improving Vancouver
“Congratulations on your well-deserved Spirit of Vancouver Individual Award for your work with Simon Fraser University, The Philosophers Café, and the city’s libraries, museums and social service organizations. The list could go on and on, including the Vancouver Heritage Foundation. You have made an indelible difference in improving Vancouver.”
— Diane Switzer, Executive Director, Vancouver Heritage Foundation (September 9, 2007)

Nothing less than remarkable — crucial in supporting our museums
“Yosef’s work in Vancouver is crucial in helping and supporting our museums to revise and re-envision their role within distinctive and complimentary niches that will be fundamental for our mutual long-term sustainability. His generosity, keen intellect and fertile imagination have benefitted all our institutions. His contribution is nothing less than remarkable and timely. His actions deserve the highest recognition and commendation.”
— Prof. Anthony Shelton, Director, Museum of Anthropology, UBC (2008)

Unparalleled passion for Canada’s heritage, arts and culture
“The President’s Award recognizes exceptional and long-term contributions to the museum field in Canada. The criteria include contributions that have built capacity, have been beneficial and transformative and have demonstrated innovation due to leadership, generosity and unparalleled passion for Canada’s heritage, arts and culture within our sector.”
— Citation upon being presented with the President’s Award by the Canadian Museums Association, Ottawa (2018)

Your philanthropic support and wise counsel are critical to our Province
“It has been a great privilege working with you over the years. I appreciated so much your support of the applied art award. To know that the culmination of the award is the London exhibit is hugely gratifying. Your financial support and presence at the exhibit have made everything possible. … Your philanthropic support and your wise counsel are critical to our Province.”
— Nora Newlands, executive director of the British Columbia Achievement Foundation (August 18, 2015)

They have done something eternal. They have extended civilization.
“‘There is much that we could be discussing today: Stress and budgets, wars and crime, fractured societies and damaged ecologies. But, for an hour, we dare to sweep back the illusions of pain and dispel our confused struggling…. Today we speak of libraries. Today we celebrate books.’ Hugh McDonald. Courtland Benson. Ralph Stanton. The Wosk family, especially Yosef, author of the above thrilling words. All honor to them. They have done something eternal. They have extended civilization.”
— “How a holy collection got to the mountaintop;” article by Trevor Lautens, The Vancouver Sun (December 7, 1996)

A voice for the human condition
“Your contribution to the Board has been greater than I suspect you might realize—a voice for the human condition, reminding us that we have aspirations—to enrich and ennoble when these are not very popular ways of looking at public sector organizations. We are NOT a business, but are a library and you have kept it in our minds during your term.”
— Madge Aalto, former Head Librarian, Vancouver Public Library, in a letter to Yosef upon his retirement from the board (November 9, 1998)

A very wise man
“I have always viewed Dr. Wosk as a very wise man who uses philanthropy to help museums when in need, to guide them along new pathways, to give them the courage to create new ways of seeing and make it possible for them to reach their potential.”
— Dr. Carol E. Mayer, FCMA, Head, Curatorial Department, MOA (2008)

Extraordinary ability to nurture
“You have an extraordinary ability to nurture and promote terrific ideas. The Vancouver Heritage Foundation is ennobled by your thoughtfulness and generous contributions.”
— Robert Lemon, former Senior Heritage Planner, City of Vancouver, and President of the Vancouver Heritage Foundation (June 4, 2007)

Cultural luminary
“Donors in the Emily Carr [President’s] Circle are cultural luminaries. Their advocacy for the arts…has positive effects that resonate across our Province and our Country.” In 2004, Yosef was bestowed with an Honorary Doctor of Letters degree “For distinguished achievement and outstanding service,…[for encouraging] a standard of excellence and innovation; in recognition of many community contributions in the areas of education, heritage conservation, arts and religion, libraries and museums.”
— Emily Carr University of Art, Design + Media

Dedicated to enriching the intellectual and artistic fabric of his community
“Yosef Wosk is a remarkable individual who has dedicated himself to enriching the intellectual and artistic fabric of his community. His legacy as a public intellectual, teacher, community leader and philanthropist is widespread and enormous.”
— Michael Stevenson, president Simon Fraser University (2008; 2010)

Rebel Brain and Public Intellectual
Identified as one of Vancouver’s twenty-six “Rebel Brains and Public Intellectuals”. Vancouver Magazine concluded that Yosef is someone who “cultivates Vancouver’s intellectual discourse like a diligent gardener”.
— Vancouver Magazine (November 2004)
Top Ten B.C. Thinker
Yosef was named by an independent panel and editors as one of the Top Ten B.C. Thinkers—“B.C.’s top public intellectuals”. “Wosk has strived brilliantly to make public intellectuals out of all British Columbians.”
— “B.C.’s top public intellectuals” by Douglas Todd; front-page story, The Vancouver Sun (August 25, 2000)

His visions, inspiration, commitment, and tireless energy
We have witnessed first-hand Yosef’s incredible generosity and spirt of giving back to the community. It has been a remarkable and infectious relationship as his ideas and passion have caused us to respond and work to help him make his visions a reality. It was his vision that the City of Vancouver created a Poet Laureate. Vancouver Foundation was able to work with Yosef, the Writers Festival and Vancouver Public Library to double his initial gift for the Laureate. In essence, he created the opportunity for us to respond, resulting in a permanent endowment fund for poetry in Vancouver. Yosef’s inspiration, commitment to the community, and his tireless energy and passion help to make British Columbia a better place to live.”
— Faye Wightman, President & CEO, The Vancouver Foundation (September 29, 2008)

Demonstrating the true spirit of Vancouver
“Presented to Yosef Wosk for his work with libraries, museums, the arts, social service, religion, and the development of programs such as The Philosophers’ Café, and for demonstrating the true spirit of Vancouver.” “These awards are all about the people who make a difference in improving our community and making Vancouver the great place it is in which to live. The Individual Spirit Award recognizes outstanding individual contributions to the spirit of Vancouver during the past year. Presented to individuals who have demonstrated the best characteristics of community commitment, creativity and volunteerism.”
— Spirit of Vancouver Award [Individual Spirit Award], Conferred by the Vancouver Board of Trade (September 17, 2007)

One of the rare scholars
“Rabbi Yosef Wosk is one of the rare scholars who can inject spiritual values into both academia and the wider secular culture. The Vancouver-born educator and philanthropist did so again this week in a soulful speech, laced with cheeky Muslim, Taoist and Hebrew wisdom, while receiving an honorary degree from Simon Fraser University…. Wosk has been teaching around the world and spearheading an incredible array of philanthropic endeavours—hundreds of projects supporting the visual arts, museums, libraries, heritage preservation, inter-faith dialogue, medicine, rare books, public gardens and more.”
— From “Rabbi calls on SFU grads to be ‘thieves, fools, arrogant,’” by Douglas Todd, The Vancouver Sun (June 17, 2012)

A pioneer in continuing education and a visionary philanthropist
A pioneer in continuing education, and a visionary philanthropist, Dr Wosk has, by his leadership, made a permanent contribution to the cause of lifelong learning. He resembles the Renaissance statesman Lorenzo di Medici in his commitment to making the true and the beautiful available to all. A passionate educator who has taught thousands of students and championed dozens of schools, he has contributed to a stunning variety of artistic, intellectual and spiritual causes, including libraries and museums on all seven continents. Dr. Wosk is an intellectual leader among patrons of the arts who is devoted to cultivating the human spirit through his exceptional contributions to Canadian culture and heritage.
— Excerpts from citation presented by the Simon Fraser University Senate upon being awarded a Doctor of Letters, honoris causa (June 14, 2012)

One of Canada’s premier thinkers and most original visionaries
“Dr. Yosef Wosk is one of our community’s most respected leaders. Appreciated as a distinguished scholar and creative educator, imaginative author and inspiring orator, he is also an art collector and curator, bibliophile, rabbi, community leader and counsellor, philanthropist, musician, explorer, businessman and member of many boards. An appointed member of the Order of British Columbia, Yosef has been identified as one of Canada’s premier thinkers and most original visionaries. He has lectured at institutes of higher learning throughout the world; closer to home he is a frequent guest speaker, teacher and media commentator. He has been described as a brilliant and inspired Renaissance man, an evocator of human capacities. His vast series of ventures demonstrate a prolific mind and an empathetic soul.”
— Nomination, the British Columbia Community Achievement Award (2009)

Drive to serve the community with integrity and humility
“As a staff member at SFU, I work with some remarkable men and women. But I’ve never worked with anyone with more intellectual curiosity, scholarly interests, and drive to serve their community, with integrity and humility than Yosef Wosk, who retires this month after 15 years as Continuing Studies Interdisciplinary Programs director. A celebrated scholar with doctorates in religion and literature, and psychology, Yosef has worked tirelessly for SFU and for museums, schools, libraries and hundreds of other organizations worldwide. His generosity is legendary and his ability to see a need and fill it with his distinctive level of personal care and attention is inspirational…. Yet it is typical of the man that he considers ‘friendships with the people here at SFU and in the community’ as his greatest accomplishment.”
— “A Fond Farewell to Yosef Wosk”, Diane Mar-Nicolle, Continuing Studies, Simon Fraser University News (May 13, 2010)

Generosity, brilliant mind and spirit
Dr. Yosef Wosk has contributed immensely to the Canadian Museum community through his philanthropy. He gives tirelessly through his involvement while supporting education pursuits and providing opportunities for new research and advancement. He has given his time, finances and personal collections to various museums and heritage projects across North America, and is truly an outstanding philanthropist. He is known as a proactive giver who searches out those who may be destitute or disenfranchised as well as those who are imaginative and dedicated in their creative endeavours. His generosity, brilliant mind and spirit have provided many institutions the much-needed means to continue on with their efforts of creating new and innovative programs in Canada and around the world.
— Award of Outstanding Achievement (Prix d’Excellence de l’AMC) for Philanthropy, Canadian Museums Association (March 26, 2009)

Bowling Pin Hero of the Week
Vancouver Vanishes website declared: “Yosef Wosk, who saved the Ridge Theatre bowling pin, is Vancouver Vanishes hero of the week.” (October 9, 2013)

Legendary dedication
“Your dedication to Torah Education in Vancouver is legendary and we are proud to have you as a friend and ally of our school.”
— Rabbi Don Pacht, Head of School, Vancouver Hebrew Academy (2006)

Teacher, prophet, and moral example
“Speaking as a Unitarian Universalist minister, an officer of the Medford Council of churches, and a community activist—Yosef has set high standards as teacher, prophet, and moral example… His scholarship, character, and leadership role has endeared him to people far beyond the boundaries of the City of Medford.”
— Rev. Eugene H. Adams, Minister Emeritus, Unitarian Universalist Church, Medford, Massachusetts (June 24, 1991)

A boddhisattva-in-hiding
“[A] Rebbe of rare gifts, he is given to the spirited scholarship and exegesis which informs the cutting edge of Jewish theological thought. He is a remarkably fine being, a mensch, a boddhisattva-in-hiding….His gentle but persistent midwifery of souls makes him a splendid evocateur of the possible human.”
— Jean Houston, Ph.D., author, teacher, Director of The Foundation for Mind Research, New York (May 30, 1983)

A great originator of marvelous things — an astonishing gift to the world
Max Wyman referred to Yosef as a “great originator of marvelous things” (July 11, 2019). Email from Max to dancer Wen Wei (April 20, 2017): “[Y]our dance, it gave authenticity and power to the evening and to Yosef’s remarkable award. He is an astonishing gift to the world, just as you are. I feel enormously blessed to be able to share the humanity, creativity and caring that powers you both.”

Ever-giving fountain
Email from Max to artist Robert Chaplin (April 26, 2017): “[O]ne more gift from the ever-giving fountain that is Yosef’s dear friendship. It has lifted the cultural conversation—the idea of the importance of cultural commentary and informed exchange about creative expression—to a new level hereabouts. Bravo to Yosef for that.
— Max Wyman, O.C.., the Max Wyman Award for Critical Writing in the Arts

Power Thinker & Thoughtful Citizen
Chosen as one of the province’s 25 Power Thinkers, as one of the “most thoughtful citizens and top thinkers: 25 of B.C.’s best and brightest”. “Yosef Wosk thinks big, and he’s getting to be a household name because of it.”
— B.C. Business Magazine (June 2002)

Extraordinary person with unmatched dedication to education
“Besides being a sensitive and wonderful man, he’s an extraordinary person, an absolutely wonderful, humanitarian individual whose dedication to education isn’t matched anywhere.”
— Dr. Ron Burnett, President of Emily Carr University of Art + Design, quoted in “Yosef Wosk: A Man for All Seasons” by Lauren Kramer, Lifestyles Magazine (Spring 2005)

A Celebrated Scholar’s Visionary Gift
“Your vision and generosity have brought important local stories and writers where they belong: out into the community. The ideas and gifts you share with VPL have helped make it one of the best libraries in the world, and continue to help it enrich our city in important and unexpected ways. Thank you so much for all that you do for libraries, literature, and the people of Vancouver.”
— Jenny Marsh, Executive Director, Vancouver Public Library Foundation (2016)

Great questions of human existence
“Vancouver scholar, Yosef Wosk, has deep furrows in his brow and six university degrees. He is a big thinker who is literally going to the ends of the Earth—to the North and South Poles—to answer the great questions of human existence.”
— “Deep-thinking rabbi goes to ends of Earth—literally—for spiritual awakening” by Kent Spencer, The Province (December 2, 2012)

Exceptional contributions to Canadian culture
This medal is presented “in recognition of your exceptional contributions to Canadian culture and heritage…The jury was very impressed with your commitment and dedication to the museums community throughout the years…and underlined your exceptional contributions with the following citation: ‘As a visionary philanthropist, for his encouragement and planting seeds which grow and flourish into sustainable projects for heritage.’”
— Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal (2012)

Your passion and support for all things cultural is renowned
“Your passion and support for all things cultural is renowned and we at Emily Carr, as a significant beneficiary of your philanthropy, are exceptionally grateful to you for your recognition of the importance of art and design education. Without your support of our bursary program, many of our students would not have been able to continue and complete their education; without the Wosk Master Print Collection, many of our students would not have had the opportunity to be inspired by and to learn from the works of some of the world’s most renowned and distinguished artists; and without your support and acknowledgement of the University Press, the voices and works of some of today’s greatest contemporary artists would remain unheard and unseen. We are truly indebted to you for your generosity and leadership!”
— Sylvia Iredale, Executive Director, University Advancement, Emily Carr University of Art + Design (April 1, 2011)

Epitome of philanthropy
The magnitude of your charitable involvement over the years is very impressive. Others call themselves Philanthropists, but you are truly the epitome of philanthropy!
— Brent Hallwachs, National Lead, Aqueduct Foundation and Philanthropic Advisory Services, Scotiabank (November 8, 2019)

A stunning variety of artistic, intellectual and spiritual causes
“Dr. Wosk has a long and distinguished record of philanthropy and support for a stunning variety of artistic, intellectual and spiritual causes. At Simon Fraser University, he and his family have sponsored scholarships and awards, donated buildings and classrooms and created educational initiatives. Yosef’s leadership in the development of innovative programs such as the Philosophers’ Café, the Canadian Academy of Independent Scholars, and Civitas, laid the foundations for the strong community engagement focus of the downtown campus…. He is also a teacher who has…devoted his life to nourishing the minds of others.”
— Dr. Andrew Petter, President of SFU at dedication of the Yosef Wosk Student Learning Commons (October 31, 2012)

Ambassador for the arts — One of Canada’s leading scholars, philanthropists and art collectors
Yosef—who served as a goodwill ambassador for the Vancouver International Sculpture Biennale, Open Air Museum for Contemporary Art in Canada—was described on the Biennale’s website as “one of Canada’s leading scholars, philanthropists and art collectors”. (2012 – 2019)
Outstanding contribution to International cultural cooperation
“Special medal awarded to Dr. Yosef Wosk for his outstanding contribution to International cultural cooperation and for the activities aimed at promoting the mutual understanding and friendship among all the nations, as well as for his efforts to preserve Historical Heritage.”
— Culture Beyond Borders Medal, UNESCO, The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (February 3, 2018)

Shaping Vancouver as a creative city
“Presented in recognition of your significant contribution to Vancouver’s arts and cultural community, for shaping Vancouver as a creative city, and for enriching the lives of Vancouver’s citizens.” Excerpts from the citation:
“To support literature and literacy, he endowed Vancouver’s Poet Laureate, revitalized Libraries Across Borders, and has donated to the Vancouver Public Library, the Vancouver Foundation, and the Vancouver International Writers and Readers Festival. Yosef has also sponsored the Alcuin Society Awards for Excellence in Book Design in Canada, The Robert R. Reid Award for Lifetime Achievement in Canadian Book Arts, and the Vancouver Antiquarian Book Fair.
A Distinguished Patron of the Vancouver Academy of Music and a founder of the Dena Wosk School of Performing Arts, he is also a Principal Founding Benefactor of the Dance Centre, a Founding Pillar of the Vancouver Heritage Foundation, and has been a major supporter of Presentation House Gallery and the Carter Wosk BC Creative Achievement Awards for Applied Art and Design.
Among his numerous accolades are the Vancouver Board of Trade’s Spirit of Vancouver Award, an Award for Outstanding Achievement from the Canadian Museums Association, and induction into the Order of British Columbia.”
— The City of Vancouver, Mayor’s Arts Award (Philanthropy) 2010

Gravity, passion, scholarship
“The first thing that strikes you about Yosef Wosk is his gravity. This is a man who…is deeply passionate about the causes to which he dedicates his time. Educator, philanthropist, scholar, philosopher, art collector and author, he is also a father…. You can’t help but hear the years of scholarship in Wosk’s voice.”
— “Yosef Wosk: A Man for All Seasons” by Lauren Kramer, Lifestyles Magazine (Spring 2005)

The soul of human kindness
“Above all, he is the soul of human kindness. Most of us fail in the service of the ninth Commandment, which says we should stop gossiping about our neighbours. I’ve never heard him say an untoward word about another human being.”
— David Berner, broadcaster

A good friend to impoverished children
“Thank you for your passion for education and your compassion for those in need…. You are indeed a good friend to impoverished children in the Himalayas—giving them a chance to learn to read and broaden their horizons. With education, the future is brighter for them…. A permanent library for this school will benefit generations of children for years to come!”
— Daphne Hales, Trans Himalayan Aid Society Projects Director (2017)

Love of books and thirst for knowledge
“Yosef’s insight and reasoning persuaded the Wosk family to make the substantial investment that brought the SFU Library its first, great, humanist book collection. Yosef’s love of books and his thirst for knowledge consolidated a group of relationships that has endured and flourished.”
— Ralph Stanton, Special Collections and Rare Books Librarian at SFU; Head of UBC Library’s Rare Books and Special Collections

A mover and a shaker in our province
“Yosef has been a mover and a shaker in our province in a quiet and distinguished manner. He will continue to innovate and inspire, while creating an atmosphere of intellect, thoughtfulness and kindness.”
— Lynn Copeland, University Librarian and Dean of Library Services, Simon Fraser University (2007)

What he did was so inspirational
“I only met Yosef Wosk once and I’ll never forget it. In 2005, when PAL was a building site, within five minutes he understood who we were, what we were doing, and he very quickly gave us a donation that we appreciated beyond belief. I listened to him explain, with greater eloquence than I was capable of, what we were about. What he did was so inspirational.”
— Jane Heyman, C.M., theatre director and Performing Arts Lodge associate

Assisting arts and culture in our City, indeed in British Columbia, to prosper
“It is thanks to individuals like Yosef, that arts and culture in our City, indeed in British Columbia, can prosper. Through Yosef’s specific support over the years, The Dance Centre has been able to focus on archiving the rich dance history of our organizational efforts supporting development of dance in BC…. We have digitized over 4000 analog dance titles…and have also been able to set up the Dr. Yosef Wosk Video Library at The Dance Centre as a space that holds the collection.
— Mirna Zagar, Executive Director, The Dance Centre (2021)

Tremendous cultural impact on his hometown — has made our city a better place to live
Vancouver-born poet, philosopher, rabbi, philanthropist, scholar, educator and community leader, Yosef Wosk has had a tremendous cultural impact on his hometown…. In 2006, he established an endowment to fund Vancouver’s Poet Laureate program. In addition to establishing over 400 libraries around the world, he is a thoughtful supporter of publishers and writers across the province. Yosef Wosk’s commitment to arts and culture has made our city a better place for each of us to live.
— Dedication plaque for the Yosef Wosk Poets’ Corner & adjacent Poets Laureate Garden, Vancouver Public Library (August 2018)

Vancouver, you’re very fortunate to have Yosef Wosk
“Who is Yosef Wosk? He is a philosopher, a bridge builder and an unsung hero. Vancouver, you’re very fortunate to have Yosef Wosk.”
— John McAvity, CEO Canadian Museums Association, Ottawa (2007)

Honorary Doctorate ceremony citation

Dr. Wosk resembles the Renaissance statesman Lorenzo di Medici in his commitment to making the true and the beautiful available to all.

Madam Chancellor, at the centre of Yosef Wosk’s work is the ideal of making a life surrounded by beauty, truth and erudition more accessible. A pioneer in continuing education, and a visionary philanthropist, Dr. Wosk has, by his leadership, made a permanent contribution to the cause of lifelong learning.

While completing two Bachelors, two Masters, and two Doctorate degrees from universities such as Harvard, Boston, Yeshiva and the University of British Columbia, he embarked on his life’s work of nourishing the minds of others.

He became Director of Interdisciplinary Programs in Continuing Studies at Simon Fraser University where he served for more than 15 years, and where he remains an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Humanities. During this period he developed a variety of strikingly innovative programs such as The Philosophers’ Café and The Canadian Academy of Independent Scholars that significantly enhance opportunities for reflection and debate in our community. The Philosophers’ Café alone has attracted more than 70,000 people throughout B.C. A prolific author, Dr. Wosk has also touched many lives with more than 100 published works.

An active member of many boards, Dr. Wosk resembles the Renaissance statesman Lorenzo di Medici in his commitment to making the true and the beautiful available to all.

A passionate educator who has taught thousands of students and championed dozens of schools, he has contributed to a stunning variety of artistic, intellectual and spiritual causes. In B.C., he has generously donated to many libraries and archives including the Vancouver Public Library and Simon Fraser University libraries where two student learning commons, a seminar room and a rare 16th-century book collection bear his family name. Remarkably, he has initiated and funded more than 400 libraries throughout the world.

A major collector himself, he has also contributed to museums on all seven continents. He supports numerous foundations dedicated to preserving architectural inheritance, including the Vancouver Heritage Foundation. His support for public gardens ranges from community parks to developing a 100,000-tree Peace Forest near Jerusalem and a roof garden for the Vancouver Public Library.

He is equally an intellectual leader among patrons of the arts, having endowed both the Vancouver Poet Laureate and the British Columbia Creative Achievement Award for Applied Art and Design, as well as being a founding donor of the Dance Centre in Vancouver. An ordained rabbi, Dr. Wosk is devoted to cultivating the human spirit and sat on councils with ministers of diverse religions. In recognition, he was awarded a Martin Luther King, Jr. Award for Exemplary Community Service.

Described as a rebel brain and one of the province’s leading public intellectuals, Yosef Wosk is a member of The Order of British Columbia, and recipient of the City of Vancouver Mayor’s Arts Award, an Outstanding Achievement Award from the Canadian Museums Association, and a Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal for his exceptional contributions to Canadian culture and heritage.
Madam Chancellor, on behalf of the Senate of this university, I ask that you now confer upon Yosef Wosk—a man who thoroughly embodies the Renaissance ideal of personal cultivation expressed in magnificent public philanthropy—the degree of Doctor of Letters, honoris causa.

— Prepared by Dr Sam Black, Associate Professor in the Department of Philosophy, and former Vice-Chair of the Senate, Simon Fraser University; former editor of The Canadian Journal of Philosophy

MEDIA REFERNCES:

Notes, Quotes, Articles & Interviews

—  2021 —

• Memories of Jewish Poland — Book reviews in The Georgia Straight, Stir, Jewish Independent. La Source, BC BookLook

“Poland’s pre-war Jewish community commemorated in new book of Nachum Tim Gidal photos”.  Book review—with photographs and interview of Yosef—of Memories of Jewish Poland: The 1932 Photographs of Nachum Tim Gidal. Article by Charlie Smith. The Georgia Straight.  (February 3, 2021)

“New book curated by Yosef Wosk features photographs by celebrated Israeli photographer Nachum Tim Gidal”. Book review—with photographs and interview of Yosef—of Memories of Jewish Poland: The 1932 Photographs of Nachum Tim Gidal. Article by Gail Johnson. The Stir [Arts & Culture, Vancouver].  (February 3, 2021)

“Jewish Poland in 1932”. A review of the photo exhibit at the Zack Gallery. Front page article (continued on p. 8), with photographs from the exhibit, by Olga Livshin. The Jewish Independent.  (January 29, 2021)

“Gidal’s photos speak volumes.” Page 8, with photographs; article by Cynthia Ramsay, The Jewish Independent.  (January 29, 2021)

“Nachum Tim Gidal, un photographe témoin du monde” (“Nachum Tim Gidal: A photographer witnessing the world”). Review of the book and interview with Yosef. Article by Nathalie Astruc in French for La Source, forum de la diversité, Vancouver’s flagship newspaper for diversity and bilingualism, an intercultural, diversity, online newspaper. In the “Culture, Literature” section; Vol. 21, No. 23, January 26 to February 9, 2021.

“B.C. authors headlining Jewish Book Festival.” BC BookLook.  (January 11, 2021)

—  2020 —

• Officer of the Order of Canada

Article announcing appointment to the Order of Canada. An excerpt quotes from the Governor General’s website: “Yosef Wosk is a Renaissance man of the 21^st century. A rabbi, scholar, businessman and art collector, he is a revered educator and community activist who inspired many to become engaged in global issues and local challenges. Former Director of Interdisciplinary Programs in Continuing Studies at Simon Fraser University, he founded the Philosophers’ Café and the Canadian Academy of Independent Scholars. A poet, explorer and dedicated philanthropist involved with museums, the arts, social services, publishing, nature and heritage conservation, he has endowed hundreds of libraries worldwide.”     Milestones column, page 8, Jewish Independent.  (December 18, 2020)

• “Indigenous Architecture”. Excerpt from article: “As part of its belief in and commitment to supporting emerging architecture practitioners, the Arthur Erickson Foundation and the Yosef Wosk Family Foundation recently announced a $110,000 donation to Indspire—Canada’s national, award-winning Indigenous registered charity—in support of Indigenous youth in Canada. The donation will fund an awards program focused on increasing Indigenous student success by growing the number of Indigenous architects and landscape architects in Canada.” Found on the Arthur Erickson Foundation website and also in the Milestones column, page 8, Jewish Independent. (December 18, 2020)
• “PAL’s Founding Patron, Dr. Yosef Wosk, Appointed Officer of the Order of Canada.”

“PAL (Performing Arts Lodge) Vancouver’s community congratulates our founding patron, Dr. Yosef Wosk, O.C., O.B.C., on his appointment as an Officer of The Order of Canada. The Order of Canada is our country’s highest civilian honour and its Officers take to heart the motto: desiderantes meliorim patriam, ‘They desire a better country.’ He was an early major donor to PAL and one of the first Canadian philanthropists to recognize the crucial importance of our mission to provide affordable housing to longstanding members of Metro Vancouver’s performing arts professions.” Selected quotes from article on the PAL Vancouver website. (November 30, 2020)

• Officer of the Order of Canada

Appointment as an Officer of the Order of Canada, one of the country’s highest civilian honours. The announcement on the Governor General’s website read: “For his far-reaching contributions to his community as a scholar, educator and writer, and for his generous philanthropy.”  (November 2020)

• “Yosef Wosk receives Order of Canada: Uplifting news in dark times—the province’s most prolific giver receives something in return.” BC BookLook lead article by Alan Twigg. This became the reference article for the event and the most-shared write-up on the announcement. (November 27, 2020)
• “A shidduch like none other: Tikva Housing, Yosef Wosk, After Five unite over Sonovia masks.” Regarding Yosef’s being the catalyst and donor for 500 Sonovia anti-bacterial and COVID-preventing masks that were distributed to low-income seniors, subsidized tenants and others in the community. With assistance of Tikva Housing (Shelley Karrel, chair), Jewish Family Service, and After Five. Health column, page 14, Jewish Independent. (November 13, 2020)
• “Bright BC artists and designers honoured with Carter Wosk Award.” Excerpts: “Six local creative talents have been recognized with the Carter Wosk Award for Applied Art and Design, the British Columbia Achievement Foundation has announced. … Now in its 16^th year, the award program takes its name from B.C. philanthropist, academic and visionary Yosef Wosk and Sam Carter, B.C. educator, designer, and curator.” Website for Stir, a digital magazine that puts Vancouver and the surrounding area’s arts and culture at centre stage. (October 28, 2020)
• Arthur Erickson-Yosef Wosk Award

There were numerous announcements about this significant initiative, including the principal one on the Arthur Erickson Foundation website [excerpt]: ” As part of its belief in and commitment to supporting emerging architecture practitioners, today the Arthur Erickson Foundation and the Yosef Wosk Family Foundation announced a $110,000 donation to Indspire – Canada’s national, award-winning Indigenous registered charity – in support of Indigenous youth in Canada. The donation will fund an awards program focused on increasing Indigenous student success by growing the number of Indigenous architects and landscape architects in Canada.

“The Arthur Erickson Foundation and Yosef Wosk Family Foundation, along with Indspire, are pleased to announce the establishment of an awards program supporting Indigenous education in architecture and landscape architecture,” said Michael Prokopow, Vice President (East) Arthur Erickson Foundation. “The organizations recognize the profound importance of the shared work of decolonization and reconciliation in Canada for the transformation of society. These awards recognize the deep power of Indigenous thinking and wisdom around the making of habitation and space for wellbeing across generations and the vitally important stewardship of the natural world.” Mike DeGagné, President and CEO of Inspire, stated (in part): “We are grateful for the support of the Arthur Erickson Foundation and the Yosef Wosk Family Foundation for investing in Indigenous achievement and education.”

• The North-West Ceramics Foundation Mayer Wosk Award of Excellence

Selected quote from the NWCF website:

In 2009, the North-West Ceramics Foundation initiated The North-West Ceramics Foundation Award of Excellence for $5000. The award provides tangible recognition of an individual ceramic artist who has resided and worked in BC for at least 5 years, who has exhibited his or her work publicly, and who has demonstrated an ongoing commitment to the ceramics community.

In 2020, Yosef Wosk announced that his Family Foundation will provide an ongoing contribution to the NWCF. Consequently, the name for the Award has been changed to the NWCF Mayer Wosk Award of Excellence. The new title honours both the Wosk Family and Dr. Carol E. Mayer, a founding Board member who first proposed the award.

• “BC Arts Council Announces Microgrant Pilot Program” — Excerpts: “The BC Arts Council is pleased to announce the launch of a new pilot program for individual artists. The Microgrant Pilot Program is intended to support professional artists and cultural practitioners in B.C. to adapt either an existing work or their professional practice to respond to emergent needs or changes in the arts and culture sector. The goal of the program is to help individuals in the sector with their creative development and the sustainability of their practice, including the use of new technologies or digital opportunities. Grants should be in alignment with the strategic directions of the BC Arts Council. Awards of up to $1,500 are available. The pilot has made possible by a generous donation from the Yosef Wosk Family Foundation, the timing of which has allowed us to match funds and use this initiative in support of the BC Arts Council’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.” Website of the British Columbia Arts Council.  (May 19, 2020)
• “Philanthropist Yosef Wosk Donates $100,000 to BC Arts Community” — Vancouver philanthropist Yosef Wosk has donated $100,000 to help British Columbia’s struggling artists and members of the cultural community navigate the COVID-19 pandemic. On March 27, concerned about the possibility that Vancouver City Council may not approve the 2020 Cultural Grant allocations in an upcoming special meeting, the BC Alliance for Arts + Culture issued an advocacy alert to members of the cultural community imploring them to make their voices heard. After an outpouring of letters, Mayor Kennedy Stewart and Council unanimously approved the planned investments, and Wosk was alerted to the peril facing artists and cultural organizations affected by COVID-19. He reacted swiftly and generously, with a pledge of $100,000 dedicated to the arts. “Through the advocacy efforts of the BC Alliance for Arts + Culture, we have been informed that […] artists and those involved in cultural programming require urgent assistance as a result of the [emergency] medical measures that we have been forced to take,” said Wosk. “The cultural sector is characterized by a high proportion of self-employed people who are dependent on revenues from cancelled performances, events, and exhibitions, and now face a major threat to their livelihoods.” The donation will be partially administered through the Vancouver Foundation’s In Our Hearts Community Response Fund, a new fund created by the Foundation along with Vancity, United Way Lower Mainland, and other partners…. The Vancouver Foundation stressed that arts and culture are “important to the social fabric that ties our community ecosystem together.” Wosk agrees, and hopes that his donation “might serve as a catalytic inspiration for others to contribute, each according to their means and predilection of causes.” This becomes especially important in light of Mayor Stewart’s recent press conference where he expressed uncertainty about future investments in Vancouver’s arts and culture non-profit sector…. Ends Wosk: “May we be inspired to ever greater heights of creativity and depths of kindness. To paraphrase the bard: ‘If culture be the food of love, play on.'” News Letter “Alliance Mail, Arts & Culture Direct to Your Inbox”, widely distributed electronically throughout the province and to others involved in the arts nationally. BC Alliance for Arts + Culture. (April 16, 2020)
• “Wosk donates during COVID crisis” — Report, similar to the BC Alliance for Arts + Culture article [April 16, 2020], about significant donation to the BC arts community. Province-wide literary e-news site, BC BookLook. (April 17, 2020)
• “Exploring the Dutch roots of Vancouver’s namesake: Pilgrimage to Netherlands town where explorer’s family lived, scuttled by virus” [print title], “Vancouver’s Dutch roots, and a pilgrimage by the SS Chuck Davis” [online title]. About the planned expedition to England and to Coevorden, the Netherlands, to reconnect the historical memories of the City of Vancouver & Vancouver Island with that of Captain George Vancouver. Article by John Mackie with large colour photograph of Alan Twigg and Yosef by Jason Payne in both online and print editions of The Vancouver Sun / Postmedia. (March 30, 2020)

—  2019  —

• Ceremonial album books of photographs and sparse text, documenting the Carter Wosk Award in Applied Art + Design. Photographs and mention of Yosef as patron and occasional presenter. Printed by the British Columbia Achievement Foundation. (2018, 2019)
• Milestones column — This article featured extensive review of some of Yosef’s activities during 2018 – 2019 including:
• 10^th Anniversary of the Yosef Wosk Poetry Initiative at the Jewish Community Centre of Greater Vancouver with celebratory gathering of artists and poets and publication of a commemorative book;
• Inauguration of the Yosef Wosk Poets’ Corner along with the adjacent Poet Laureates Garden at the renovated top floor of the central Vancouver Public Library, named in recognition of Yosef’s decades-long support of the VPL;
• Helped to fund more than 50 new libraries including 20 in remote Himalayan villages and 37 in Jewish communities throughout the world;
• A review of Yosef’s published work in a number of publications including Memories of Jewish Poland: The 1932 Photographs of Nachum Tim Gidal (Gefen Publishing, Jerusalem and New York) and an essay “On the wings of Forever” that was published in the online Ormsby Review;
• He also helped to publish a number of works by others including a biography of Faye Leung;
• In collaboration with the Canadian Museums Association, Yosef helped transform the President’s Award into the President’s Medal—he also commissioned the medal and wrote the text for the booklet that accompanied the honorific;
• The Max Wyman Award for Critical Writing in the Arts—a province-wide initiative founded by Yosef—formed an alliance with the VIVA Awards [the Shadbolt Foundation];
• In academia he was reappointed as an adjunct professor in humanities at Simon Fraser University and completed four years as a Shadbolt Fellow at SFU where he was then named as a Simons Fellow;
• He served on 11 boards in areas such as education, medical research, museums, libraries, literature, business and the arts including completing a second term with the B.C. Arts Council. [Note: As of 2020, Yosef had dropped off of all boards except for one as part of a significant life transition to now concentrate on research and writing.]
• Photograph of Yosef with Max Wyman. P. 6, The Jewish Independent. (December 20, 2019)
• Leonard Cohen Website — Conceived of and produced by Alan Twigg as a gift for Yosef. A number of submissions of Leonard Cohen-related material from Yosef from his collections including limited edition artwork, autograph letters to Marianne, and specially commissioned photographs of LC. In addition, he contributed an essay that celebrates the lives but laments the passing of Leonard [November 7, 2016] and Elie Wiesel [July 2, 2016] just months apart: “Two Eliezers: A Singing Priest and a Reluctant Prophet Among Us. A Tribute for Leonard Cohen & Elie Wiesel” [originally written December 2016; re-edited November 2019]. Website Memories of Leonard memoriesofleonard.com. (2019)
• Order of British Columbia thirtieth anniversary video — Please search YouTube online for both the long and a short version. Yosef was one of the few recipients whose photograph was shown on both versions. Honours and Awards Secretariat, Office of Protocol, Government of British Columbia, Victoria. (2019)
• Network Advisory Committee Annual Reporting Meeting, March 27, 2015 at the Fairmont Vancouver Airport Hotel. Yosef attended as a CH.I.L.D. Foundation Representative board member and donor, most delegates being scientists from across Canada on the Network Advisory Committee. In the Spring of 2018 he attended a similar conference: “Canadian inflammatory bowel disease network: a joint partnership of CIHR (Canadian Institute of Health Research) and CH.I.L.D. Foundation held in December 2018.” Yosef appeared in a photograph as a participant at the network annual meeting that featured special presentations by doctors from Boston Children’s Hospital, The Cleveland Clinic, and Cincinnati’s Children’s Hospital, in addition to Representatives of Patients and Families, Network Advisory Committee. I.L.D. Foundation News. (Spring 2019)
• Profile as a member of the BC Arts Council: “Yosef Wosk is a Shadbolt Fellow, Adjunct Professor in the Department of Humanities, and former Director of Interdisciplinary Programs in Continuing Studies at Simon Fraser University where he developed seminal programs such as The Philosophers’ Café and The Canadian Academy of Independent Scholars. He holds Ph.D.s in Religion & Literature as well as in Psychology, and Master’s degrees in Education and in Theology. He has also received honorary doctorates from Emily Carr University of Art + Design and from SFU. Yosef, who is an ordained rabbi, founded and supported hundreds of libraries worldwide, endowed Vancouver’s Poet Laureate, is the patron of the Carter Wosk British Columbia Creative Achievement Award for Applied Art and Design, initiated the Max Wyman Award for Creative Criticism, and contributed to the planting of numerous gardens and hundreds of thousands of trees. Identified [by the Vancouver Sun and Vancouver Magazine] as one of the top ten thinkers and most thoughtful citizens in the province, he has lectured at a number of institutes of higher learning throughout the world. His numerous honours include being an appointed member of The Order of British Columbia, a recipient of both The Queen’s Golden and Diamond Jubilee Medals, a laureate of the BC Community Achievement Award and Medal, and being listed in Canadian Who’s Who. He was presented with the rare President’s Award from the Canadian Museums Association and a special Culture Beyond Borders medal from UNESCO. Active in communal affairs—especially in the areas of education, libraries, museums, the arts, social services, heritage conservation, gardens, philanthropy and religion—Yosef is a media commentator, public speaker and published author.” Variations of this entry were posted on website of the British Columbia Arts Council. (2016 – 2019)

—  2018  —

• “Max Wyman, cultural paragon” by Chris Stringer.  Article regarding establishment of The Max Wyman Award for Cultural Commentary to recognize achievement in critical writing and commentary on the visual, performing and literary arts. Photograph and quote from Yosef. In the column Community Personality, 8 – 9, No. 31; published in community newspaper from Lions Bay to West Bay, B.C.—The Beacon.  (November/December 2018)
• “Secret Garden: Vancouver Public Library Unveils New Rooftop Hideaway” by Alex Migdal. Online news source from radio programming, CBC News British Columbia.  (September 26, 2018)
• “After 23 years, a rooftop garden opens at the VPL’s Central Branch” by Kevin Griffin. Excerpt: “Among the amenities on the 8^th and 9^th floors include a light-filled Yosef Wosk Poets’ Corner.” In both print and online editions of The Vancouver Sun. (September 26, 2018)
• Short article and photo, notice of Yosef doubling the prize money for the annual Basil Stuart-Stubbs Prize for Outstanding Scholarly Book on British Columbia. P. 5, BC BookWorld. (Autumn 2018)
• The Canadian Jewish Experience: A Celebration of Canada (L’Expérience Juive Canadienne) compiled by Tova and Jim Lynch. Book and nationally travelling exhibit were created in celebration of Canada’s 150^th Yosef was one of the sponsors (see photograph p. 102). New Leaf Publication Design. (2018)
• “New public rooftop garden at Vancouver Public Library opens this month” by Kenneth Chan. Excerpts: “VPL has announced that the massive new garden and library space expansion—built at a cost of $15.5 million—will be open to the public…. The rooftop will provide a whopping 40,000 square feet of additional space, which will also include 8,000 square feet of garden space. In addition, there will be an 80 seat auditorium, as well as places to eat and drink, as well as ample space for outdoor reading, too.” Article from an unidentified Internet publication news source for Business, Development, Urbanized Architecture & Design News.  (September 14, 2018)
• Vancouver Public Library roof garden and renovations: Yosef was the first major donor—$250K: $25K per annum over ten years—for Central Library Roof Garden featuring a 20^th anniversary redesign/reconfiguration of the library by architect Moshe Safdie and library administration. Yosef was appointed Honorary Chair of Capital Campaign to raise $12.5 million of the $21M to finance the project. A meeting room and adjacent garden were named the Yosef Wosk Poets’ Corner. Article on web page VPL Foundation. (2018)
• “Storeys that Transform” including mention of the Yosef Wosk Poets’ Corner: “This unique space is dedicated to recognizing the Poets Laureate of Vancouver; honouring and celebrating the contribution of literature and poetry to life in our city. This room is also used for poetry readings and small receptions, and can be rented out to the public.” Article in Vancouver Public Library Foundation Report. (2018)
• Book Review — Yosef is mentioned as part of the book review by Alan Belk on Sustenance: Writers from BC and Beyond on the Subject of Food by Rachel Rose [editor], Vancouver: Anvil Press, 2017. “On pages 98-102, Wosk has poetic-prose contribution called Oroboros on a mythological and comparative religions theme. He writes, ‘The universe is a single cannibalistic organism, a self-sustaining unbroken circle; autonomous, terrifying and utterly unstoppable. Herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, orovore—the serpent consuming its own tail in an eternal vortex of renewal, its own creation and self-destruction, the endless knot, eternal return, historic recurrence.’” Photograph of Yosef by Joshua Berson. The Ormsby Review: Serious writing about B.C. culture. (June 26, 2018)
• Interview
• “John talks with…Yosef Wosk” (pp. 4 – 7), by Executive Director of the Canadian Museums Association, John McAvity. Introduction: “Community activist, collector, rabbi, donor, and father, Yosef Wosk, Ph.D., OBC, is a recognized scholar and philanthropist who sits on the boards of the Museums Foundation of Canada and the B.C. Arts Council. He is also an Adjunct Professor and Shadbolt Fellow at Simon Fraser University. He has contributed generously to a wide range of educational and cultural organizations on all seven continents. In April at the CMA Conference, he received the CMA President’s Award. John met with Yosef recently at his art filled home in Vancouver.” Muse, magazine of the Canadian Museums Association. (May/June 2018)
• Page 9 in same magazine— “Yosef Wosk donation to Museums Foundation of Canada”. “To mark the retirement of John G. McAvity, Yosef Wosk, Ph.D., OBC, made a substantial donation [$100,000] to the Museums Foundation of Canada, the CMA’s fundraising arm…to initiate The John G. McAvity Legacy Fund….” Article and photograph.
• Page 31 in same magazine— “The President’s Award recognizes exceptional and long-term contributions to museums, the arts and heritage.” “The CMA recognizes Yosef Wosk, Ph.D., OBC, for his many contributions and patronage of art institutions, artists, and museums across Canada, and around the world….” Article and photograph.
• The three quotes above are from the Muse Magazine noted below. Another undocumented Muse quote reports that: “The President’s Award recognizes exceptional and long-term contributions to the museum field in Canada. The criteria include contributions that have built capacity, have been beneficial and transformative and have demonstrated innovation due to leadership, generosity and unparalleled passion for Canada’s heritage, arts and culture within our sector.”

Muse, magazine of the Canadian Museums Association.  (May/June 2018)

• “Photographs from the Collection of Terry Berger” by Robert Reid. “A major collector of photographs in Vancouver is Yosef Wosk, who collects classic historical photographs of the great photographers….” Alcuin Society Blog. (April 21, 2018)
• “Celebrating many milestones” by Olga Livshin. Article about VERA — Vancouver Jewish Russian Association, its flagship Radio VERA, and activist Sasha Gerson. Yosef has been a champion of these initiatives and mentioned in article. Front-page story and p. 2; Jewish Independent.  (January 26, 2018)

—  2017  —

• “Canadian Jewish History” by Cynthia Ramsay. Article reported on The Canadian Jewish Experience: Celebrating the Rich History of Jewish Life in Canada held at the Central Vancouver Public Library. November 16, 2017. The exhibit, and accompanying program, was a joint venture of the Jewish Historical Society of B.C., the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, the Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver, and the Vancouver Public Library. Contributions from Yosef and the Belzbergs made the event possible. Yosef, the keynote speaker, “spoke of the importance of books, of stories, of the relative youth of Canada as a nation and about the Jewish community’s participation in national life. He expressed gratitude for living in a country that is safe for Jews and other minorities, but also recalled that it wasn’t always so and that immigrants today still face problems.” Article and photograph, p. 5, The Jewish Independent. (November 24, 2017)
• “Thank you! ORT Vancouver extends sincere thanks to attendees, sponsors and supporters of the very successful Gala Luncheon.” The sold-out event was held October 18, 2017; honourees were Shelley Lederman and Yosef. Photographs and short article, p. 4, Jewish Independent.  (Nov. 24, 2017)
• A Celebrated Scholar’s Visionary Gift. Jenny Marsh, Director of Development, Vancouver Public Library Foundation, wrote in an email: “We have also started to update vplf.ca with information about the campaign. To date, the People, About and Landing pages have been updated. Our next step is to update some of the “Our Stories” section of the website with new stories from campaign donors. We would love to begin by sharing the story of your gift, and how it inspired the project we are now engaged in. The “working title” for this story is: A Celebrated Scholar’s Visionary Gift.” (Nov. 1, 2017)
• “Wosk, Lederman Honoured: Smart Classrooms and Scholarships to benefit from ORT Gala” by Pat Johnson. Cover story and photograph, Jewish Independent.  (September 29, 2017)
• The Max Wyman Award: Recognizing Arts Criticism by Tessa Perkins Deneault. Quote from the article: “Writing about the arts is an art unto itself. Too often, though, the careful attention that goes into a thoughtful work of criticism remains unnoticed. Max Wyman is a rare critic who is able to balance constructive commentary with cultural insights. After over fifty years of writing about Canada’s varied arts scene, he is being recognized for his life’s work and his significant contribution to the arts. The Max Wyman Award for Cultural Commentary was created by philanthropist, rabbi and cultural visionary Yosef Wosk to ‘catalyse the art of creative criticism’…. Wyman is both the award’s namesake and its first recipient and stands as a beacon to remind us of the importance of arts criticism within our cultural landscape. Since Wyman arrived in Canada in 1967 and joined the Vancouver Sun, he has been, as Wosk writes, a ‘midwife of creativity.’ He’s not only a critic, but also a deeply perceptive commentator on arts and culture. The importance of criticism as part of a vibrant arts community is often overlooked, but this event validated it as a worthy way to spend a life’s work.” With photo by Fred Cawsey of Max Wyman and YW, p. 36-37, No. 77; Dance Collection Danse: The Magazine.  (Fall 2017)
• George Woodcock Award — Photograph by Alan Twigg of Rolf Knight, recipient of the George Woodcock Award, Sandra Singh, Head Librarian of the Vancouver Public Library, and event co-sponsor, Yosef Wosk. 42, BC BookWorld. (Autumn 2017)
• “Restoration and Rededication of the Jewish Cemetery at Mountain View, 1892- 2015” by Cyril E. Leonoff. No. xxxvi, p. 65, in Journal of the Jewish Museum and Archives of British Columbia, The Scribe.  (2017)
• “Shalhevet Celebrates its 10^th: School Honours its Five Founding Board Members at Recent Gala” (event was March 16, 2017). “At the gala, the five founding board members of Shalhevet were honoured. These remarkable individuals are Rabbi Yosef Wosk, Marie Doduck, Vivian Claman, Terrance Bloom, and Tannis Boxer. This group came together and made their dream of creating Shalhevet a reality—a flourishing place of academia and growth. They created yesh me’ayin, something concrete from the imaged, and it is because of their hard work and dedication that Shalhevet can celebrate ten successful years.” Article courtesy Shalhevet Girls High School; p. 17, Jewish Independent.  (June 16, 2017)
• “The Art of Creative Criticism” by Cynthia Ramsay, an article regarding establishment of the Max Wyman Award for Cultural Commentary. Quote: [Max Wyman commented:] “I have been in awe of Yosef’s social activism for years: he seems to live the essence of the Hebrew phrase tikkun olam, the notion that we should perform acts of kindness to repair the world. He puts his resources where his idealism is.” Front-page banner, two-page article with photograph in The Arts section, p. 10 -11; The Jewish Independent.  (June 2, 2017)
• “Yosef Wosk, ABC BookWorld” entry by Alan Twigg. “The world continues to go in the wrong direction but Yosef Wosk stands against the wind and directs us toward good works. In the month of April 2017, for example, he created and funded a new award for Cultural Commentary. An audience of 400 gathered at the Vancouver Playhouse to see the venerable arts critic and Canada Council board member Max Wyman become the inaugural recipient of the annual $5,000 Max Wyman Award—entirely generated by Yosef Wosk. And so he continues to create, to elevate, to inspire. Like The Fool in the Tarot pack, he is always open and alert to what comes next. It’s almost impossible to list all the ventures he has saved, emboldened, validated. When Leonard Cohen died, Yosef Wosk quickly instigated and funded a memorial celebration. The daily stamina required for this kind of responsive philanthropy is worthy of note. More akin to the Dalai Lama than Warren Buffet, Yosef Wosk is an uncharted and largely unrecognized leader on what he has called ‘the vast Ocean of Universal Creativity.’ His is a rare form of creative generosity that our world needs, as much as, or more than, ever.” Added to ABCBookWorld biography on Yosef. This encyclopaedic reference site of over 12,500 British Columbian authors and their books was created and managed by Alan Twigg from 2001 to 2019. Although Twigg continues to contribute entries, it is now managed by BC BookWorld (April 2017)
• “The Max Wyman Award for Cultural Commentary”, article. BC BookWorld and its related online iteration BC BookLook. (April 2017)
• “New Criticism Award Launched in BC. The Max Wyman Award for Cultural Commentary celebrates leading critical writers,” by Brittany Duggan. Selected quotes: “A new award that acknowledges excellence in critical writing and commentary on the visual, performing and literary arts, The Max Wyman Award for Cultural Commentary, recognizes ‘writing that stimulates critical thinking, fosters an ongoing discussion about the role of arts and culture in contemporary society, and demonstrates the importance of creative commentary as a tool in our understanding and interpretation of the world around us.’ The award is the brainchild of community leader and philanthropist Dr. Yosef Wosk. ‘To me, it’s a golden age of criticism, of expression,’ says Wosk. ‘We’re witnessing an explosion of media, the democratization of knowledge. It’s an incredible time to be alive. And it was important that it be in Max’s name for the inspiration that he brings to the table in both his personality and his professional work.’” Website of The Dance Current: Canada’s Dance Magazine. (April 14, 2017)
• “Max Wyman Award for Cultural Commentary” by Trevor Lautens. “Our rich language is a mere panhandler to describe Max Wyman’s accomplishments – his term as mayor of Lions Bay (2005-2008) surely the one startlingly beyond prediction from his previous lives. Dance, music, all-purpose arts critic. Broadcaster. Culture industry mandarin. Biographer of ballerina Evelyn Hart and of jeweler Tony Cavelti. Authentic wit, scholar and gentleman. And patron of West Vancouver’s Caulfield Safeway, passing graciously among the common folk and the vegetables. Max and wife, retired critic Susan Mertens, have had a spot of bother with their health – Susan had a bad cliffside fall last year – but the recent grand news is that Max will be the first recipient of the Max Wyman Award for Cultural Commentary. Philanthropist Yosef Wosk, with his own vast panoply of accomplishment, will launch the award next Tuesday at the Playhouse. Standing ovation certain for this unique ex-mayor.” North Shore News (April 5, 2017)
• “Giving With Purpose and Intelligence—Yosef Wosk”. Feature article by Wendy Turnbull, with photograph by Joshua Berson, in Clippings, The VanDusen Botanical Garden and Bloedel Conservatory [Vancouver Botanical Gardens Association] Newsletter. (Spring 2017)
• All Together Now: Vancouver Collectors and Their Worlds featured 20 beautiful, rare, and unconventional collections including corsets, prosthetics, pinball machines, taxidermy, toys, and many others. In this exhibition, both the collector and collected were objects of study, interaction and delight. All Together Now explored the act of collecting, the collector’s vision and the role collections play in building identity, public memory and social connections. Vancouver Magazine called this collection of collections a “must-see exhibition.” Items from Yosef’s Circus Collection were chosen. The full list of Collectors and their Collections:

Museum of Vancouver (June 23, 2016 – January 8, then held over until March 19, 2017)

• Shalhevet Girls High School 10^th Anniversary Celebration Gala. The school was launched by local families as the only girls dual curriculum Jewish high school in the province. The anniversary gala was in honour of the principal Founding Members including: Marie Doduck, Yosef Wosk, Terrance Bloom, Vivian Claman, Tannis Boxer. Article in the event program on Yosef, p. 14; and on daughter Shevi, p. 49. Event held at Congregation Schara Tzedeck, Vancouver. (March 16, 2017)

—  2016  —

• “Share in collector’s passions: Yosef Wosk adds to new Museum of Vancouver exhibit”; photo by Alexis Pavlich with caption: “Yosef Wosk with his collection of circus memorabilia, some of which can be seen in the Museum of Vancouver exhibit All Together Now: Vancouver Collectors and Their World.” The exhibition explores the questions: Why do people collect and how do private collections touch public consciousness? Cover article and continue on page 8; The Jewish Independent.  (June 24, 2016)
• Author listings — Included by editor Alan Twigg as one of the authors in the online Literary Landmarks of British Columbia, originally posted January 29, 2016. See Literary Landmarks website on BC BookLook, #102 Yosef Wosk— com/category/literary-landmarks-of-b-c/and more specifically bcbooklook.com/2016/01/29/of-patriotism-and-duty/. Also included in ABC BookWorld, a 12,500+ entry online encyclopedia of writers and literature in British Columbia: www.abcbookworld.com/view_author.php?id=10444.  (2016 – present)
• Simon Fraser University 50^th Anniversary — “The Wosk Family has donated to SFU’s Harbour Centre Campaign, the Centre for Dialogue Campaign, the Morris J. and Dena Wosk Endowment, and The Interdisciplinary Studies Program. The prestigious Wosk Centre for Dialogue is named in their honour. Yosef Wosk was founder of SFU’s Philosophers’ Café program.” History and series of short biographies with photographs; see p. 55. 50^th Anniversary Special Edition, Simon Fraser University’s alumni magazine, (Summer 2016)
• “The Unsullied Heroine: Lilian Broca’s History in Mosaics”— A three-quarter page illustrated article on the book Heroine of a Thousand Pieces: The Judith Mosaics of Lilian Broca in which Yosef wrote a lengthy chapter. 10, BC BookWorld.  (Summer 2016)
• “A tough woman from the 2^nd Century BCE,” Douglas Todd blog for The Vancouver Sun and PostMedia Group.  (March 10, 2016)
• “Heroine of a Thousand Pieces: The Judith Mosaics of Lilian Broca.” Article in Groutline, eJournal for SAMA, the Society of American Mosaic Artists (the largest and most prominent international group of mosaicists). Cover and pp. 6 -11 with Yosef quoted on p. 6. (January 2016)

—  2015  —

• Book review of Heroine of a Thousand Pieces: The Judith Mosaics of Lillian Broca. Numerous quotes including: “Inspired by Lilian Broca’s stunning mosaic cycle in seven parts that depicts Judith’s heroism for a new art exhibit, the poet and philosopher Yosef Wosk has outlined the deeper meanings of the Judith story—including Judith as the personification of Israel itself—within his explanatory meditations.” BC BookLook. (December 26, 2015)
• Mentioned regarding the book The Hidden and the Revealed: The Queen Esther Mosaics of Lilian Broca with chapters by Sheila Campbell, Yosef Wosk and Lilian Broca, and Preface by Judy Chicago (2011). Referred to on 201 in The Bible Retold by Jewish Artists, Writers, Composers & Filmmakers, edited by Helen Leneman and Barry Dov Walfish. Department of Biblical Studies, University of Sheffield: Sheffield Phoenix Press. (2015)
• “Mosaics depict Judith story”, front page and continue on p. 13; The Jewish Independent. (October 30, 2015)
• “But is it Philosophy? Critical Reflections on Social Reasoning and Café Philosophy”. Yosef, and the Philosophers’ Café program at Simon Fraser University, are mentioned a number of times, some of it based on a recorded audio interview on the history of public participatory philosophy in BC, conducted by Mano Daniel and Michael Picard in 2013. Article by Michael Picard, Chapter X in Practicing Philosophy; Cambridge Scholars Publishing, Newcastle on Tyne, England. (2015)
• Graduate Liberal Studies Photo Gallery — Extensive compilation of photographs recording the beginning of the 25^th anniversary of GLS, the welcoming reception for the school year and introducing Shadbolt Fellow Yosef Wosk and a group of Shadbolt Scholars. 2015 New Initiatives Celebration Photo Gallery. (October 13, 2015)
• The Vancouver 2015 Jewish National Fund Negev Dinner. “The Socialite” column, p. 47 with photograph; [Toronto] The Canadian Jewish News. (September 17, 2015)
• Welcome Yosef Wosk, Shadbolt Fellow—Graduate Liberal Studies. Announcement that the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Dean’s Office has awarded Yosef Wosk a Shadbolt Fellowshipwith GLS beginning in 2015 – 2016. Posted on the website of Graduate Liberal Studies, Simon Fraser University.  (September 6, 2015)
• “Twenty Years On” — “Back in May 2005, this space noted that scholar and philanthropist Yosef Wosk had pledged $250,000 through 2015 to establish a fund facilitating public access to exterior garden space atop the Vancouver Public Library and conversion of the interior areas to library use. That item came to mind with the recent announcement that Ottawa – prior to the writ being dropped for October’s general election – was kicking in $500,000 to develop offices, a reading room and café on the library’s top two storeys, as well as facilitating access to the structure’s rooftop garden. Rooftop access was sacrificed when the Moshe Safdie-designed library opened in 1995 to accommodate office leases to the province that helped finance construction. Now, a $15 million renovation will honour Safdie’s original vision for the structure.” Newspaper and website, Business In Vancouver. (August 11, 2015)
• Canadian Museums Award in Conservation — Yosef was the first sponsor for the renewed CMA Awards Program, aka the Awards of Outstanding Achievement. There were seven categories (conservation, education, exhibition [two awards], marketing, new media and research) of which Y chose “The Canadian Museums Award in Conservation”. It was awarded to Pierre Wilson for Construction of New Collections Reserve/Constitution de nouvelles collections, at the Musée des maîtres et artisans du Québec in Montreal. Mention of this sponsorship on p. 6 in Muse, the CMA’s magazine—”the Voice of Canada’s Museum Community”. (July-August 2015)
• “Literary Landmarks” — “Spearheaded by Vancouver’s Chief Librarian, Sandra Singh, there’s a new civic project to celebrate B.C.’s writers sparked by the vision of poet and philanthropist Yosef Wosk…” Quote from p. 11, BC BookWorld. (Summer 2015)
• Aldus at 500: Digitizing the Wosk-McDonald Aldine Collection at SFU. Excerpt: “2015 is Simon Fraser University’s fiftieth anniversary; it is also the five-hundredth anniversary of the death of one of the leading figures in the history of bookmaking: the Venetian scholar, printer, and publisher Aldus Manutius. To mark these occasions, Publishing@SFU and SFU Library’s Special Collections and Rare Books are joining forces to create an online resource comprising a world-class selection of Aldines from the Wosk-McDonald Collection, acquired by the University in 1995.” Yosef quoted: “Gutenberg may have developed mass production moveable type for the Western printing press, but Aldus developed the moveable book [1996].” Publishing@SFU—Simon Fraser University. (May 25, 2015)
• “Contemplating the JI: Four views on the value of a Jewish newspaper”. “The JI spoke with four friends of the newspaper from longtime Vancouver Jewish community families about the value and future of a Jewish community newspaper.” Pp. 4, 21 and 24; Jewish Independent, 85^th anniversary edition. (May 15, 2015)
• “Death and Resurrection—Facing up to Loss: Psychology, Philosophy and the Easter Story”, full-page article by Douglas Todd. Yosef interviewed along with Catholic Archbishop Michael Miller and process philosopher John Cobb, on the idea and experience of death and human reaction to loss. Example of one Wosk quote: “Part of the tragedy of death is in our emotional reaction. We have lost a loved one and suddenly we, too, are alone, lost and even fearful. The death of anyone portends the extinction of us all.” Photograph by Joshua Berson; p. A3, The Vancouver Sun. (Online April 2, 2015; print version Friday, April 3, 2015)
• Lamp Post Lit—Illustrated plaques are now being officially added to Vancouver’s streets—on lamp posts—to publicize the richness of Vancouver as a literary city. “This ongoing project was kickstarted by the vision of poet and philanthropist Yosef Wosk and spearheaded by the city’s Chief Librarian, Sandra Singh…. [Quote from Yosef]: ‘Vancouver is blessed to have such a vibrant and dedicated public library system to support our curiosity and love of knowledge. VPL’s new Literary Landmark initiative extends the definition of a library: it is not just a building but also the authors, the publishers, the readers, the very streets of our city. The public library embraces the many writers’ homes as well as hideaways, apartments, parks and retreats that nurtured creativity. Ultimately, each of us is a library as is the city itself.’” Online website BC BookLook. (March 15th, 2015)
• Vancouver Literary Landmark Project — “Vancouver’s library announced more than two dozen locations as official literary landmarks around the city, marking the connections between our neighbourhoods and authors who have lived and worked there. VPL’s Literary Landmark project is a collaboration of the library, B.C. BookWorld and the VPL Foundation, through the support of Dr. Yosef Wosk.

Identifying the landmarks: bold, colourful plaques—mounted on lamp standards—that outline the literary experiences and talents that make them worthy of recognition. A companion interactive online map (www.vpl.ca/literarylandmarks) highlights the landmarks around the city, offers further details on authors and links to their works in the VPL catalogue.

‘Our city literally boasts thousands of authors and B.C. easily qualifies as one of the most active literary societies on the planet,’ Alan Twigg, publisher of B.C. BookWorld.

Dr. Yosef Wosk, longtime library donor who inspired the project, is extensively quoted in the press release.

Press Release, Vancouver Public Library.  (March 11, 2015)

• New Vancouver Public Library map reveals hidden literary landmarks — On CBC website and radio. (March 2015).
• “The B.C. Permanent Building: A hidden gem gets a fresh polish. The 1907 building in Vancouver is being restored and converted to an event space”, article by John Mackie. In print and online editions of The Vancouver Sun.  (January 13, 2015)

— 2014 —

• Legacy Award — The Museum of Vancouver’s Legacy Awards that honor individuals, families and companies who have shown outstanding vision and commitment to building Vancouver. “The MOV Legacy Award was presented to Yosef Wosk for his, and his father’s [Morris J. Wosk] extensive history of philanthropic work benefitting diverse nonprofit organizations both locally and abroad.” Article and photograph, Milestones column, p. 15; Jewish Independent. (October 31, 2014)
• Museum of Vancouver Legacy Awards — Honouring those who shape Vancouver including City Legacy Award to Morris J. Wosk and Yosef Wosk; City Shaper Award to Dr. Julio Montaner; Emerging City Visionary Award to Wade Grant. Article, photograph and video on the Museum of Vancouver website MOV e-news. (October 10, 2014)
• “Jewish Book Fest turns 30.” — Multi-faceted Mark Leiren-Young was recently chosen as Vancouver’s first Jewish Literary Laureate, a new distinction shepherded into existence by cultural activist Yosef Wosk. Website of BC BookLook. (August 8, 2014)
• “Congrats to BC author/actor/comedian Mark Leiren-Young for being chosen Vancouver’s first Jewish Literary Laureate, a new distinction shepherded into existence by cultural activist Yosef Wosk.” Hugh’s News #5; BC BookLook, online publication of BC BookWorld.  (July 8, 2014)
• Donor profile: “ Yosef Wosk has been an unwavering supporter of Emily Carr initiatives such as student scholarships and bursaries, gallery publications and international conferences for the past 20 years. In 2001 his generosity reached a new level when he established the Wosk Masterworks Print Collection.

The Wosk Masterworks Print Collection of over four hundred prints, photographs and book works spanning nearly five hundred years is a resource of immense value to the Emily Carr community and the public. The collection, which includes original works by Rembrandt, Cézanne, Renoir, Chagall, Warhol and Goya, encompasses a wide range of printmaking techniques that reflect the history and changing function of prints and printmaking. It continues to be a relevant source for the study of printmaking, art history and the artistic process itself.

Dr. Yosef Wosk is an author, community leader, public speaker, an ordained rabbi, businessman, philanthropist and father. The founder of the Philosophers’ Café and of over 400 libraries worldwide, he is passionate about many causes and is a renowned humanitarian. Dr. Wosk is an appointed member of the Order of British Columbia, a recipient of both the Queen’s Golden and Diamond Jubilee Medals, and received an Honorary Doctor of Letters from Emily Carr University in 2004. Earlier in 2014 he was presented with the Community Champion Special Award by the Canadian Race Relations Foundation, a fitting honour for a man recognized as “one of British Columbia’s top thinkers” by the Vancouver Sun and the B.C. Business Magazine.” This profile was presented as a featured donor on website of Emily Carr University of Art + Design.  (May 2014)

• “Achievements” — Review article, with photograph, reporting on YW receiving the Community Champion Special Award from the Canadian Race Relations Foundation at the Building Bridges for Canada Award Dinner on March 2, 2014. In Milestones Column, p. 16, The Jewish Independent.  (March 28, 2014)
• “VHA Library Gets a Redesign” — Article and photograph of the refurbished Yosef Wosk Family Library. “This has now become everyone’s favourite room in the school…. It fulfils its function as a repository of knowledge and helps to stimulate a love of reading. In our digital age, it is very special for children to still have a space to curl up with a good book.” P. 2, Hebrew Academy Highlights. (Spring 2014)
• Out-of-the-Box: Interdisciplinary Studies Graduate Program Student Conference — “Welcome to the Out-of-the-Box: Celebrating Interdisciplinarity Conference webpage! In 2013, the ISGP community successfully launched this graduate student conference. This conference has been envisioned by members of the ISGP community as a way to nurture a sense of community, and a space to share our innovative research and expertise with other graduate students involved in interdisciplinary research.” Yosef, who sponsored the conference for two years, 2013 – 2014, is mentioned on p. 4 of program, with bio and expression of gratitude as a sponsor. Conference held at the Liu Institute for Global Issues, UBC. (March 21, 2014)
• Building Bridges for Canada Award Dinner — “The Canadian Race Relations Foundation will celebrate the accomplishments of Rabbi Dr. Yosef Wosk, by presenting him with the Community Champion Special Award at the Building Bridges for Canada Award Dinner, held in Richmond, B.C.” In Conversation: Building Bridges for Canada regarding their program for Lifetime Achievement & Community Champion Special Awards Dinner held Sunday, March 2, 2014. P. 1, 5, 23 with photo; Canadian Race Relations Foundation Bulletin. (February 2014)

— 2013 —

• “New Director Appointed to CH.I.L.D. Foundation Board of Directors” and photograph. “CH.I.L.D. Foundation Chairman of the Board, Grace M. McCarthy, O.C., O.B.C., has announced the appointment of Rabbi Dr. Yosef Wosk to the CH.I.L.D. Foundation Board of Directors: “We welcome Yosef to our Board. His community service and compassion for families will be a valuable addition to our volunteer Board of Directors.” P. 3; I.L.D. Foundation News.  (Fall 2013)
• Literary Laureate “Vancouver’s Jewish Book Festival aims for edgy” by Tracy Sherlock. “This year, the Jewish Book Festival launches a new initiative, the Jewish Literary Laureate project—a vision of Yosef Wosk. Mark Leiren-Young, who writes for The Vancouver Sun, will be the festival’s inaugural literary ambassador and will spend two years, part-time, promoting literacy through outreach in this position.” Vancouver Sun. (October 30, 2013)
• Painting on silk presented to Morris J. and Dena Wosk at the dedication of the Wosk Synagogue on Moshav Matityahu, Israel c. 1995. The painting was donated to Schara Tzedeck by Yosef. Cover art on the magazine of Congregation Schara Tzedeck, (September 2013)
• Photo of Mark Dwor and Yosef, among others depicted, from the Gala Dinner Celebration, Sunday, June 2, 2013. On inside front cover of HaKol, magazine of Congregation Schara Tzedeck. (September 2013)
• The Vancouver Biennale’s Michel Goulet Day Ceremony. [Yosef was present and interviewed as an Ambassador for the Vancouver Sculpture Biennale.] The Ledge TV Media. (July 11, 2013)
• “Vancouver donor helps build 300 IDF base libraries: IDF Torah Libraries Project” — Theme of the 2013 JNF Negev Dinner was Celebrating the 65^th Anniversary of Israel and honouring the Israel Defence Forces and its Heroes. Two pages were dedicated in the program to the announcement of Yosef’s IDF Torah Library Project.

Excerpt: “The dream was to have a Torah library on every base, whether large or small, permanent or temporary…Yosef—whose love of books and learning is well known—couldn’t resist. He became the first donor and major funder. Lt. Colonel (res.) Rabbi Yedidya Atlas, Rabbi, IDF Ground Forces Command (res.), who initiated and heads the project, worked closely with Rabbi Wosk to build a spectacular number of libraries—241 to date with another 60 units scheduled over the next two years. The libraries are situated all over Israel: 109 in the Central Command, 16 in the Southern Command (all in the Gaza Division), 52 in the Northern Command and 64 in the Ground Forces Command. The project may expand to include the Navy and Air Force. The Jewish National Fund of Canada, Pacific Region, Negev Dinner Program Book  (June 9, 2013)

• “A poetic reflection on the meaning of life by the scholar, rabbi, and philanthropist Yosef Wosk.” — Sam Sullivan’s Public Salon. The Public Salon brings together interesting people with interesting ideas for evenings that are meant to inspire and educate. See The Public Salon and Vancouver is Awesome (June 2013)
• “All the Pretty Houses” article by Kerry Gold on Loy Leyland and Shaughnessy neighbourhood of Vancouver. Pp. 18-20 with mention of Yosef’s Osler home on p. 20. Vancouver Magazine. (June 2013)
• Menschenings column by Alex Kliner, regarding Yosef’s multi-year donation of 300 libraries to the Israel Defence Forces Torah Library Project in an endeavour to have a study library on every base. The Jewish Independent.  (2013)
• The Writing Life: Journals 1975 – 2005 by George Fetherling. Yosef mentioned on page 362. Edited by Brian Busby; published by McGill-Queens University Press, Montreal and Kingston. (2013)
• “A Boost for Innovation and Invention.” “Yosef Wosk recently established an award in memory of Irving Arnold, an entrepreneur who invented the world’s first computer-controlled unit-production system for the apparel industry. The inaugural recipient of the Irving N. Arnold Award for Innovation and Invention is Sam Seo, computer science student and cofounder of Physicalytics, a cloud-based platform that provides insights into how consumers navigate through and use physical spaces.” With colour photograph of Essie, Kevin and Steven Arnold, and Sam Seo, inaugural recipient of the award. P. 18, Make Your Mark campaign report for Ryerson University.  (2013)
• “Passages: Reflections on Life’s Many Transitions—A poetic reflection on the meaning of life by the scholar, rabbi, and philanthropist Yosef Wosk.” Delivered as a guest of Sam Sullivan’s Public Salon, a program at the Vancouver Playhouse that brings together interesting people with interesting ideas for evenings that are meant to inspire and educate. Available on YouTube or The Public Salon  (June 5, 2013)
• “To the myriad mazel tovs accrued by Rabbi Dr. Yosef Wosk for his achievements (academic, philanthropic, cultural, spiritual), yet another is due. He’s just been appointed for an ‘unprecedented five years,’ as a Shadbolt Fellow at Simon Fraser University in its department of arts and social sciences. Among his duties [will be]…‘coordinating initiatives that bring together the community, the academy and the arts.’” “Menschenings” by Alex Kliner, social columnist, p. 19; 85^th anniversary edition of The Jewish Independent. [The Jewish Western Bulletin—the British Columbia Jewish community’s newspaper since 1930—changed its name to The Jewish Independent in 2005.] (May 15, 2015)
• “Vancouver Public Library roof garden and new strategic plan”, article by Tiffany Crawford. Excerpt: “The central library has been given the green light from the city to start planning its long-awaited “garden in the sky,” a multi-level outdoor area featuring 16,000 square feet of new public space, including an 8,000 square-foot garden. … The library has already received its first donation of $250,000 from philanthropist Dr. Yosef Wosk for the public garden. The “garden in the sky” is part of an ambitious plan to redevelop the library to meet the demands of the 21st century.” Posted on GlobalNews website on April 25, 2013 and the Vancouver Sun on April 24, 2013.
• Philosophers’ Café receives 2012 Best Practices Award in Higher Education from World Universities Forum. “The award recognizes how Simon Fraser University’s Philosophers’ Café has demonstrated how new approaches to conversation and scholarship can invigorate enquiry into today’s most pressing questions. Yosef Wosk founded Philosophers’ Café in 1998 in an effort to create a cutting-edge, safe and stimulating environment for public conversation.” P. 16, Jewish Independent. (January 25, 2013)
• World Universities Forum Higher Education Awards — “Philosophers’ Café nets award.” “For 15 years, Simon Fraser University’s Philosophers’ Caféhas demonstrated how new approaches to conversation and scholarship can invigorate inquiry into today’s most pressing questions. The two-day World Universities Forum…is recognizing that approach with its 2012 award for Best Practices in Higher Education. Founded in 1998 by Yosef Wosk in an effort to create a cutting-edge, safe and stimulating environment for public conversation, more than 70,000 people have attended Philosophers’ Cafés at 90 different venues across B.C. The program speaks directly to SFU’s strategic vision as “The Engaged University” by creating a forum that enables dialogue and the exchange of ideas without fear of judgment. The Best Practices Award recognizes the most significant higher education practices of 2012, through criteria including innovative curricula, research projects and student services. Simon Fraser University is Canada’s top-ranked comprehensive university and one of the top 50 universities in the world under 50 years old….” Media release from Simon Fraser University: Helen Wussow, dean of Lifelong Learning, and Michael Filimowicz, director Philosophers’ Café.  (January 11, 2013)

— 2012 —

• “Deep-thinking rabbi goes to ends of Earth—literally—for spiritual awakening” by Kent Spencer; large colour photograph by Wayne Leidenfrost, The Province, with caption: “Yosef Wosk relaxes at home in Vancouver on Nov. 27, 2012”. Subtitles—“Philosophers’ Café (about the café movement) and a section titled “The Moral Question” (about Yosef). Some quotes: “Vancouver scholar, Yosef Wosk, has deep furrows in his brow and six university degrees. He is a big thinker who is literally going to the ends of the Earth—to the North and South Poles—to answer the great questions of human existence.” . . . “When Wosk reached the North Pole in 2011, the temperature was a balmy -10º C. As he lay on his back wrapped in thick layers of clothes, he let the experience take him away. “I became the nexus of an energy surge. I opened to a vertical axis of energetic consciousness that originated in the limitless sky above, entered through my navel and continued deep into the Earth before exiting at the South Pole and continuing its cosmic journey beyond. I had not expected such a profound experience. It was so revered that I have only told one or two others about it until now.” . . . “The planet is a friend, an ally, our home and host. It feeds and breathes us, supports and protects us. It is precious beyond measure. I am reminded that we are an ephemeral species. One day we will disappear and so will the Earth, but today we live for one another. Today I will do an act of kindness that will ennoble my existence and benefit yours; today I will think a thought that will embrace the planet and dance with eternity.” The Province Newspaper, Vancouver (posted online November 30, 2012 and then printed in newspaper in a different format—interview, question and answer—on December 2, 2012)
• “Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medals” — “The Canadian Museums Association…honoured 37 museum professionals who have made significant contributions to the museum sector by presenting them with the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medals…during the awards gala at the CMA’s 65^th National Conference. The CMA was chosen as one of the few non-governmental organizations invited to award a limited number of these commemorative medals.” Among the recipients was Dr. Yosef Wosk, Vancouver, who was lauded “As a visionary philanthropist, for his encouragement and planting seeds which grow and flourish into sustainable projects for heritage.” Also a separate mention regarding Yosef being a sponsor of the CMA Awards Ceremony that was held April 25, 2012. Pp. 10 – 13, Volume XXX / 6. Magazine of the Canadian Museums Association— (November – December 2012)
• “On June 14, 2012, Philosophers’ Café founder Dr. Yosef Wosk received an honorary Doctor of Laws from SFU. Dr. Wosk’s pioneering work at SFU includes the creation of the Philosophers’ Café and the Canadian Academy of Independent Scholars. Throughout his life, Dr. Wosk has prodigiously founded and supported libraries, museums, public gardens, archives and schools in Canada and around the world. In his convocation address, he urged graduates to question, explore and break down barriers and illusions to make the world more authentic and true. Dr. Wosk was the director of Interdisciplinary Programs at SFU before his retirement in 2010. Congratulations Dr. Wosk—thank you for leaving such a fine legacy for so many of us to enjoy.” P. 2 with photograph in Philosophers’ Café brochure, Simon Fraser University Continuing Studies. (September – December 2012)
• “Yosef Wosk Student Learning Commons opens for business at SFU Vancouver” — Excerpts from article: “This is the culmination of Dr. Wosk’s vision for creating engaging student spaces at SFU libraries that includes his $100,000 contribution to launch the Yosef Wosk Student Learning Commons at SFU’s Surrey campus in 2006 and his $75,000 donation for this facility one year later. Student learning commons are one-stop shops for academic support: they provide in-person and online workshops, drop-in tutorials and individualized assistance to ensure that students achieve success in their academic and professional careers. SFU University Librarian Chuck Eckman explains, ‘Yosef helped us launch two Student Learning Commons to respond to a shift in the way we view learning and knowledge creation. Instead of individual pursuits only done in quiet, contemplative environments, today’s reality is that learning and study are also active and collaborative endeavours…Yosef’s past support for SFU Library includes a seminar room and sixteenth century collection of rare books at Bennett Library in Burnaby as well as a Student Learning Commons at SFU Library in Surrey. His pledge to build this Student Learning Commons at SFU Vancouver has allowed us to extend our vision—learn, collaborate, grow—to the downtown community.’ SFU President Andrew Petter remarked, ‘Dr. Wosk is a passionate educator who has taught hundreds of students and devoted his life to nourishing the minds of others. He understands the important place of dialogue and interaction with peers in fostering student learning.  So it is particularly appropriate that his gift has built another Student Learning Commons that combines student support and academic assistance with a space that invites collaboration and engagement.’” Press Release, 
Erica Branda, Simon Fraser University Advancement  (October 31, 2012)
• “CH.I.L.D. Foundation and CIHR (Canadian Institute of Health Research) launch pediatric inflammatory bowel disease research network.” Photo of Yosef who attended the meeting to hear medical reports from network participants [p. 2]; In the News — photo and bio: “Yosef Wosk, one of Canada’s leading intellectuals, is a member of the Order of British Columbia and a recipient of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal for his exceptional contributions to Canadian culture and heritage. This past June, Simon Fraser University conferred the degree of Doctor of Letters, honoris causa, on Rabbi Wosk” [p. 4]. CH.I.L.D. stands for Children with Intestinal and Liver Disorders; I.L.D. Foundation News. (Fall 2012)
• “‘Happiness’ makes me sad. We are addicted to surface happiness: Real joy begins when suffering ceases” by Yosef Wosk; photograph by Glenn Baglo, Vancouver Sun files with caption: “Yosef Wosk awaits the day all mankind can be happy together”. Part of columnist Doug Todd’s series of articles on “Happiness”; he invited select community members to reflect on the nature of happiness. Happiness Day 4: Yosef Wosk—“‘Happiness’ makes me sad.” Quotes from article: “Happiness makes me sad. I’m not referring to genuine happiness, but rather to the phenomenon of commercial happiness that is marketed from every conceivable media niche. Happiness is big business, retail therapy, a temporary fix, an emotional drug…. Until that day when world peace permeates the Earth, I can be happy but only for a moment; I can laugh, but not fully. My joy is anchored in your suffering, and until we can be happy together, I would rather cry with you than be happy by myself.” Online and also print edition of The Vancouver Sun. (October 11, 2012)
• “Discussing the nature of evil”, article by Nicole Nozick regarding a Philosophers’ Café program; Yosef quoted by Kara Mintzberg, Jewish Museum and Archives of British Columbia education coordinator. P. 16, The Jewish Independent. (July 27, 2012)
• Yosef Wosk – SFU Doctor of Letters, honoris causa, Thursday, June 14, 2012. “Yosef Wosk is a Vancouver philanthropist, scholar, educator, rabbi, community leader, businessman and a former director in Continuing Studies at SFU. He also founded the Canadian Academy of Independent Scholars and SFU’s Philosophers’ Café, the world’s largest series of cafe discussion gatherings. The degree of Doctor of Letters, honoris causa, will be conferred on Dr. Wosk on Thursday, June 14, 2012 at the 2:30pm ceremony.” Published on SFU website where the ceremony is archived.  (July 3, 2012)
• “Achievements” — Regarding Yosef being awarded a doctor of letters, honoris causa, by Simon Fraser University; with photograph and text of citation prepared by Prof. Sam Black on behalf of the university. Milestones column, p. 16, The Jewish Independent (June 29, 2012)
• “A Hearty L’Chaim to the Isaac Waldman Library!” — “…among the library volunteers is the Library Committee’s Honorary Chairman, Rabbi Yosef Wosk. [Librarian Karen] Corrin called him ‘a visionary who understood the importance of a library to the culture of a community.’ It was Rabbi Wosk who approached famed author and Nobel Peace Prize-winner Elie Wiesel to become honorary president in the library’s first year.” [note: Actually it was Amos Oz, who was later joined by Elie Wiesel, Chaim Potok, Sir Martin Gilbert, and Yaffa Eliach. They each agreed to serve as Distinguished Patrons of the community library.] Milestones column, p. 10, The Jewish Independent (June 29, 2012)
• “Rabbi calls on SFU grads to be ‘thieves, fools, arrogant’” by Douglas Todd. Selected quotes: “Rabbi Yosef Wosk is one of the rare scholars who can inject spiritual values into both academia and the wider secular culture. The Vancouver-born educator and philanthropist did so again this week in a soulful speech, laced with cheeky Muslim, Taoist and Hebrew wisdom, while receiving an honorary degree from Simon Fraser University. Wosk had for 15 years been SFU’s director of continuing studies and founded the hugely popular Philosophers’ Café program, through which more than 70,000 people have engaged in lively discussions on important issues. Along the way, Wosk has been teaching around the world and spearheading an incredible array of philanthropic endeavours—hundreds of projects supporting the visual arts, museums, libraries, heritage preservation, inter-faith dialogue, medicine, rare books, public gardens and more. Earning five postgraduate degrees in theology, psychology and other fields, the Vancouver polymath was once a teaching assistant to Nobel Prize laureate Elie Wiesel. He speaks several languages and has received the Order of B.C. and a Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal.” P. 2 and also online, The Vancouver Sun (June 17, 2012)
• “Honorary Degrees 2012”, listed among six individuals recognized with honorary degrees during its Spring convocation ceremony. “Yosef Wosk, Doctor of Letters, Honoris Causa”, to be awarded Thursday, June 14, 2012. With photograph and short biography. P. 4, Simon Fraser University News. (June 7, 2012)
• “Honorary Life Member – Membre honoraire a vie” — “The Board of Directors has bestowed the recognition of Benefactor—Honorary Life Member of the Association upon Yosef Wosk, Ph.D. for his life-long dedication to the museum sector. Dr. Wosk supported the History Alive! Award when it was first developed in December 2011 and continues to support the Preserving Canadian Treasures grant program. The CMA is thankful for his continued support.” Vol. XXX/3, p. 12, The Voice of Canada’s Museum Community Magazine, (May/June 2012)
• “SFU bestows honorary degrees.” “Yosef Wosk, this is the man who created SFU’s Philosophers’ Cafes and founded the Canadian Academy of Independent Scholars. Wosk is a Vancouver philanthropist, scholar, educator, rabbi, community leader and business man.” Column Here & Now by Jennifer Moreau, p. A24, Burnaby NOW. (April 6, 2012)
• “Nine to receive honorary degrees”. Announcement and photographs regarding the awarding of honorary doctorates, June 12 – 15, 2012. P. 4, Simon Fraser University News. (March 29, 2012)
• “Création d’un nouveau programme special de bourses destiné aux petites musées canadiens”. An article regarding the Canadian Museums Association’s “Preserving Canadian Treasures”, a program initiated and funded by Yosef under direction of John McAvity, CEO of the Association. L’observatoire, the newsletter/website of La Société des musées québécois. (2006 – 2012)
• A few miles from the North Pole — Photograph near the North Pole, with a caption that reads: “Islander Yosef Wosk is holding up a copy of the Undercurrent a few miles from the North Pole.” 38, No. 43, p. 5; Bowen Island Undercurrent newspaper. (February 24, 2012)

Videomatica film collection —

• “A photo finish: How a cache of vintage video found a home” by Marsha Lederman, The Globe and Mail, BC section, pp. 1-2. (January 17, 2012)
• “Universities unite to keep rare collection: Videomatica’s 30,00 rental titles find a new home at UBC, SFU” by Kim Pemberton, The Vancouver Sun, A4. (January 17, 2012)
• “Iconic Videomatica to close, ending an era: Movie rental store has been fulfilling cinephile’s dreams since 1983” by John Mackie, Vancouver Sun, in the Art & Life section F, p.8. (May 7, 2011)
• UBC Press Release — “We are happy to share with you that the world-class Videomatica film collection has been preserved in a legacy purchase and gift to UBC and SFU. The film and academic communities are thrilled that this treasure in our midst has been kept intact and will be available for study, inspiration and public access. Here are some media reports: [The following websites are named but links have expired so not included here] The Globe and Mail, The Georgia Straight, UBC Arts, ” (2012)
• “Massive Videomatica collection donated to UBC and SFU. Defunct video store’s 28,000 DVDs, 400 VHS titles, 900 Blu-ray films to be shared by local universities” by Sandra Thomas, Vancouver Courier.(January 18, 2012)
• Take Note: “Pass the Popcorn Please”. Article on the Videomatica collection: “An exceptional collection of classic, foreign and independent films valued at $1.7 million is now being housed and preserved by UBC and SFU…. (Videomatica’s co-founder) Graham Peat acknowledges the contribution of Yosef Wosk, the philanthropist, community leader and academic, whose efforts spurred the Videomatica donation.” Trek, the Magazine of the University of British Columbia, UBC Alumni Association; Issue 31, p. 10. (Spring/Summer 2012)
• UBC Media Release — “UBC and SFU welcome $2.1M Videomatica film collection.” [Note: This is quoted at length for its historic value]:

An exceptional film collection valued at $2.1 million will be housed and preserved by the University of British Columbia and Simon Fraser University. Videomatica–a long-loved video rental shop that opened in 1983 and specialized in rare and esoteric titles–is donating the bulk of 28,000 DVDs, 4,000 VHS titles and 900 Blu-rays to UBC. The collection will be housed at UBC Library with duplicates available at UBC’s Dept. of Theatre and Film. SFU also receives about 2,800 documentaries from the collection.

The collection includes feature films, literary adaptations, cult and art films, foreign films from more than 75 countries, and Canadian works from the Vancouver International Film Festival.

“After spending three decades building a unique film library and the better part of a year trying to preserve it, how wonderfully rewarding it is to know the interests of both the public and film students will be served with the collection finding a home at UBC and SFU,” says Videomatica co-founder Graham Peat….

“We’re honoured to serve as the new home for an outstanding collection of films,” says Ingrid Parent, UBC’s University Librarian. “These titles, which number in the tens of thousands and cover a huge array of genres and topics, will serve as a valuable source of research and enjoyment.” “SFU Library is thrilled to be the new home for Videomatica’s renowned collection of Canadian and international documentaries–carefully identified and acquired by Graham Peat over the course of many years–and we plan to steward the material according to the highest professional standards,” says Charles Eckman, SFU’s Dean of Library Services.

Peat also acknowledges the contributions of Yosef Wosk, the philanthropist, community leader and academic whose efforts spurred the Videomatica donation. “He brought all parties to the table to work for a creative solution,” says Peat. “His invaluable guidance and generosity over many months were instrumental in saving the Videomatica collection.”  (January 16, 2012)

— 2011 —

• Vancouver’s Power 50 — Vancouver Magazine. Yosef was listed 41^st among the 50 most powerful individuals in the City. The 11^th Annual Power 50 ranking celebrated “The Power of Wisdom”. Excerpt: “…It was his late father who donated the building that now houses the Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue in downtown Vancouver, but Yosef has earned a stellar reputation of his own…. He’s lectured around the world and is admired for his combination of fierce intelligence and innate compassion.” The following questions were asked in an email from the editor; these are my full responses that were edited for publication:

How, in a phrase, would you define wisdom? 

Wisdom is the maturation of information gathered and knowledge distilled. Or put in another way: Gathering information evolves into a body of knowledge that then matures into wisdom. And yet information, knowledge and wisdom are not enough: they are only fulfilled through action (although knowing when not to act is also a gift). I have also found that emotions often override the wisest will and the most determined knowledge.

What’s the toughest decision you ever had to make? 

I have two answers to this question: i) To complete my studies when I could have given them up because they seemed so impossibly difficult. ii) To live. One night, in the midst of a study tour to Egypt (1982), a few of us attempted to climb the great Cheops Pyramid by the light of the midnight moon. At one point, I felt a conspiracy of overwhelming forces—gravitational, emotional and mystical—seducing me to thrust myself from the ancient monument to find death, a final letting go, on the desert floor far below. What saved me was a dream vision of future generations. Although I was not married at the time and had no children, I imagined telling them this near-death story. It was the promised story that saved my life; it was a visit to the future that preserved the present. [I still tremble to relate this.]

What’s the smartest thing you ever did? 

When I fell a hundred times, I would get up a hundred and one.

Also, I have learned (for the most part) to follow my intuition. This has often been at odds with authoritarian advice but it has always led me in the right direction.

What’s the biggest mistake you’ve made? 

Not having written, learned nor loved enough. Although I may have accomplished much, I still often feel empty. I want to embrace Infinity and know the mind of Forever.

The presentation ceremony took place at the Vancouver Club on November 14, 2011. Front-page article, pp. 52 – 68 with Yosef mentioned on p. 62 with photograph by Joshua Berson; Vancouver Magazine.  (December 2011)

• Mentioned in The Chuck Davis History of Metropolitan Vancouver by Chuck Davis and other contributors, (Financial Contributors, p. vi; Foreword, p. xi; and regarding Poet Laureate, p. 532). Publisher Howard White, who took over the project that was almost complete when Chuck passed away, wrote in his Foreword: “Taking over somebody else’s labour of love is not to be done lightly and the fact it has turned out as well as it has is a credit to many people, most notably Chuck himself. Not simply because he laid down a foundation that made it hard for us to go astray, but because he left behind an ocean of good will that made our work immeasurably easier….Busy movers and shakers like Allen Garr, Rick Antonson, Penny Ballem, Sam Sullivan, Scott Anderson, Paul Whitney, Alan Twigg and Yosef Wosk went out of their way to clear our path forward.” Harbour Publishing. (2011)
• Exploring Vancouver: The Architectural Guide, by Harold Kalman and Robin Ward, photographed by John Roaf; Douglas & McIntyre Publishers Inc., Vancouver, revised edition (2012). Also Exploring Vancouver by Hal Kalman, a number of mentions of properties related to Wosk Family: The Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue, SFU Harbour Centre, p. 135; our home, The Iowa, or the Frank L. Buckley House, 3498 Osler Street, built in 1913 (architects MacKenzie and Ker), is one listed with a photograph and short article, p. 140 (p. 194?); VanDusen Botanical Garden [site of the Yosef Wosk Library and Resource Centre], p. 224-225; UBC picture of MOA Yosef Wosk Reflecting Pond, p. 226 and article on p. 232. 4^th edition, UBC Press. (2011)
• Governor General’s History Award for Excellence in Museums — “This year [2011] also marks the first time the Governor General’s History Awards are including outstanding museum projects…. John McAvity, executive director of the Canadian Museums Association…notes that the CMA’s 2,000 members, which range from small community museums to large institutions like the Royal Ontario Museum, attract 59 million visitors a year.” Yosef sponsored the inaugural Governor General’s History Award for Excellence in Museums—The History Alive! Award. The Globe and Mail.  (December 17, 2011)
• “Queen Esther Book an artistic and an educational tour de force.” Article by reviewer Mordechai Ben-Dat on The Hidden and the Revealed in which Yosef contributed a chapter. Canadian Jewish News. (December 8, 2011)
• The Hidden and the Revealed — A featured author at the Jewish Book Festival, The Hidden and the Revealed book launch and reception (November 27, 2011). From the program catalogue (p. 8) of the Jewish Book Festival:

“Scholar, rabbi, SFU professor, Yosef Wosk, took inspiration from Broca’s mosaic to create a lyrical prose-poem in the voice of Esther, that is so striking and unique, the work must be read for itself to be fully appreciated. The prose is accompanied by scholarly notes illuminating Wosk’s extensive investigation of biblical, rabbinical, comparative religious and mythological aspects of the Esther story.”

• History Alive! Award — “Yosef Wosk sponsored the inaugural Governor General’s History Award for Excellence in Museums — The History Alive! Award. It will acknowledge and celebrate the best achievement by an individual or institution in communicating Canadian history in a museum setting, whether it be through new and exciting public programming or exhibitions.” Presented by His Excellency, the Right Honourable, David Johnston at Rideau Hall, Ottawa. Pp. 5, 11, 14, 16. The magazine of the Canadian Museums Association, the voice of Canada’s museum community— (November 2011)
• Mentioned in article on the first presentation of the Robert R. Reid Award & Medal for a Lifetime of Excellence in the Book Arts in Canada. The Alcuin Society Newsletter 9 [accompanying Amphora No. 158], edited by Howard Greaves (August 2011)
• “Beautiful, functional”, an article reviewing major renovations, updated facilities at Congregation Schara Tzedeck, including “an overhaul of the Beit Midrash, which now features a library and intimate areas for prayers and study, complete with painted coved ceiling and lighting that evokes a starlit night. The ceilings were inspired by Rabbi Yosef Wosk and represent the constellations of three significant nights: creation, the giving of the Torah, and the establishment of Schara Tzedeck.” Synagogue Life section, p. 6; Jewish Independent. (June 10, 2011)
• “W is for Wosk” — “Who’s Who British Columbia”— “One of the under-cited heroes of the B.C. literary world, philanthropist Yosef Wosk was recently described as ‘an all-round good guy’ by Simon Fraser University News, having just completed a 15-year stint with SFU Continuing Studies…. Although no longer formally associated with SFU, Wosk will continue his behind-the-scenes leadership as an independent financial supporter of countless literary and scholarly undertakings.” With photograph, p. 10; BC BookWorld. (Spring 2011)
• “Since 1995, the George Woodcock Lifetime Achievement Award for Outstanding Literary Career in British Columbia has been supported by the City of Vancouver, Vancouver Public Library and B.C. BookWorld. Another new co-sponsor, as of 2010, is Yosef Wosk.” P. 3, BC BookWorld.  (Spring 2011)
• Bing Thom asked Yosef to lend his name to a protest campaign against casino expansion in Vancouver. This effort was picked up by various media including: “High-profile Vancouver politicians join fight against casino expansion” by Jeff Lee, Vancouver Sun (February 21, 2011); “Letters to city council with concerns about gambling” by Mike Howell, Vancouver Courier (February 21, 2011); “Vancouver illuminati line up against Paragon Casino”, online illuminati-nwo.com (Feb. 22, 2011); “Vancouver, not Vegas! Prominent Vancouverites Opposed to Casino Expansion”, article and petition on the Internet dontgamblevancouver.wordpress.com/; Article by Sandra Garossino, Vancouver Sun. (February 17, 2011)
• Make Change: Create Opportunities column: “On Sunday, September 19, 2010, MOA hosted a reception in the Haida House to thank Yosef Wosk, OBC, for his generous gift in support of the installation of a reflection pool outside the museum. When MOA was built in 1976, architect Arthur Erickson and landscape architect Cornelia Oberlander envisioned a pool as part of the original complex; now, almost 35 years later, their dream has become a reality.” Next @ MOA brochure newsletter, Museum of Anthropology at the University of British Columbia. (January-April 2011)
• “Camera Man” by Charles Campbell. Article about photographer Alex Waterhouse-Hayward; Yosef mentioned on p. 64: “Waterhouse-Hayward’s favourite subject over the years has been his granddaughter, Rebecca. ‘Something registers on her face—the reality that she is going to grow up.’ It was a large giclée of her that Vancouver collector Yosef Wosk bought four years ago for his extensive portrait collection, which includes photographs by Cameron, Henri Cartier-Bresson, and Edward Steichen.” P. 59 – 64, Vancouver Magazine. (January/February 2011)
• “Water Works” — “After 35 years, Arthur Erickson’s vision for the University of British Columbia’s Museum of Anthropology has finally been realized in full…. In his 1975 original drawings, he and landscape architect Cornelia Oberlander had planned an aquatic element; an elegantly arched pool to respond to and reflect the soaring glass walls of the museum. Sadly, a long battle with campus engineers—and later a lack of funding—foiled his plans. Now, thanks to the donation of philanthropist Yosef Wosk, and some mild amendments to ensure safe drainage, the pool has assumed its rightful and permanent place.” P. 38, Wallpaper* Design, Interiors, Fashion, Art, Lifestyle (January 2011)

— 2010 —

• “Joseph sets good example for modern men, spiritual leaders say. Jesus’ stepfather “manned up” to fulfil a transcendent purpose, scholars conclude.” Article by Douglas Todd; Yosef among those ­interviewed and extensively quoted in feature article for Christmas. Online and in print, p. A13, The Vancouver Sun.  (December 24, 2010)
• “Mayor’s Arts Awards recipients make personal connection.” The awards honour community members who make significant contributions to arts in our city. Yosef received award for philanthropy. The Vancouver Courier.  (November 19, 2010)
• “Endings and Beginnings” by Margaret Brown and Diane Mar-Nicolle; photo by Margaret Brown. Article about Yosef Wosk’s retirement, review of his fifteen years as director of Interdisciplinary Programs in Continuing Studies, and of his creation of the café program. “SFU’s president Dr. Michael Stevenson, who also retires this year, says ‘Yosef Wosk is a remarkable individual who has dedicated himself to enriching the intellectual and artistic fabric of our community. His legacy as a public intellectual, teacher, community leader and philanthropist is widespread and enormous’.” Philosophers’ Café brochure, back page, p. 8. In same brochure: Original cartoon by Graham Harrop on p. 4.  Simon Fraser University, Continuing Studies, Philosophers’ Café.  (September – December 2010)
• “Yosef Wosk Retires” — Philanthropist, Visionary, and All-Round Good Guy Yosef Wosk is leaving SFU after 15 years in Continuing Studies. He is a celebrated scholar who developed the pioneering Philosophers’ Café Program and led both the Canadian Academy of Independent Scholars and the Civitas political discussion group. One of Wosk’s last acts at SFU was to create a $1,000 annual Margaret Brown Continuing Studies staff achievement award named after his longtime assistant.” Article and photograph, p. 5, Simon Fraser University Alumni Magazine, AQ. (November 2010)
• “North Van gallery scores decade-long gift” by Benjamin Alldritt. “As North Vancouver Presentation House Gallery presses forward with plans for a brand new facility, a Vancouver philanthropist has gifted the photography gallery with a decade-long commitment worth $250,000. Yosef Wosk announced that he will donate $25,000 to the gallery every year for 10 years, a gift that will be invaluable as it moves towards a new era in the institution’s history. ‘It’s fantastic news,’ said gallery director Reid Shier. ‘It’s really an extraordinary act of generosity on Yosef’s part. It’s amazing what he’s committed to. One donation would be generous enough but to make it a decade long is really singular.’” P. 1, continued on p. 3. North Shore News. (October 8, 2010)
• “Dr. Yosef Wosk makes multi-year commitment to Presentation House Gallery.” PHG is honoured to announce an extraordinary commitment of support for our organization from Dr. Yosef Wosk. Beginning in 2011, Dr. Wosk will donate $25,000 a year for ten years to assist PHG expand its programming capacity over the next decade. Dr. Wosk’s commitment comes at a critical point for our institution as we work towards the long-awaited realization of a new facility.” Press release from Presentation House Gallery. (October 2010)

Museum of Anthropology, Arthur Erickson Reflecting Pool

• “Just Add Water” by Cheryl Cooper. Excerpts: “Through the efforts of many, the original vision for the Museum of Anthropology at the University of British Columbia is finally complete with the permanent installation of a reflecting pool adjacent to the building…. Arthur and I always met friends and guests at the Museum with my folder of photographs [of the temporarily filled pond], most memorably with Yosef Wosk, who has now helped to make this vision possible through his generous, deeply sympathetic gift. Completing Erickson’s vision is a great tribute.” Backpage, 42, feature article with colour photograph of pond reflecting the museum, Haida longhouse and totem poles. In the official magazine of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada [The National Review of Design and Practice], Canadian Architect.  (October, 1, 2010)
• “A Place to Reflect” — Large colour photograph by Simon Hayter with caption: “The University of British Columbia’s Museum of Anthropology unveiled its Yosef Wosk Reflecting Pool in Vancouver on Wednesday. The pool was originally intended to be part of the museum designed in 1976.” Section S, [may be from] The Vancouver Sun. (September 16, 2010)
• “Museum of Anthropology Unveiled Arthur Erickson’s Long-Envisioned Reflecting Pool” by Lena Sin. “Permanent installation was made possible due to the generous donation of noted B.C. scholar Yosef Wosk and other donors, said Shelton.” The Province. (September 15, 2010)
• “MOA Installs Reflecting Pool” — “After 34 years, Arthur Erickson’s dream for the Museum becomes reality. We are thrilled to announce that the Yosef Wosk Reflecting Pool has now been created at the Museum of Anthropology…. The enstatement of the reflecting pool would not have been possible without the generous financial support of Dr. Yosef Wosk, OBC. We are very grateful for his commitment to the Museum as both a donor and advisor.” Media release from the University of British Columbia and the Museum of Anthropology. (September 2010)
• The Yosef Wosk Reflecting Pool is a representation of a coastal inlet as originally envisioned by MOA’s architect, the late Arthur C. Erickson, and the landscape architect, Cornelia Hahn Oberlander. After 34 years as a dry pond, the reflecting pool was installed in August 2010. [Note: The Reflecting Pool was dedicated in a traditional ceremony in the Haida House on Sunday, September 19, 2010.] From MOA’s website; also see MOA website for more information about the Yosef Wosk Reflecting Pool. (2010)
• “Final Reflection” by Michael Harris. Article regarding the MOA Reflecting Pool. “Of all the masterpieces the great architect Arthur Erickson gave this city, the [uncompleted reflecting pool at the] Museum of Anthropology on the UBC campus remained a constant annoyance for him, even in his final days…. A $150,000 gift from philanthropist Yosef Wosk has paid for the revamp…. Cornelia Oberlander, landscape architect, commented ‘it was Arthur’s greatest wish’.” P. 82, Vancouver Magazine. (September 2010)

———

• “A yearning to grapple with it all: Philosophers’ Cafés becoming hugely popular as people gather and discuss” by Sean Kolenko. Mentioned in article; p. A3, The Burnaby News Leader. (September 15, 2010)
• “Back to Spinal Research Gala” — At a joint program of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, the University of British Columbia, and the Rick Hanson Foundation, for spinal cord injury research on April 25, 2010 at the Vancouver Trade and Convention Centre. Photograph on page 7; Canadian Friends of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem magazine, Between Friends. (Summer 2010)
• “A Fond Farewell to Yosef Wosk” — An open letter from Diane Mar-Nicolle, Continuing Studies Interdisciplinary Program Assistant, reads in part: “As a staff member at SFU, I work with some remarkable men and women. But I’ve never worked with anyone with more intellectual curiosity, scholarly interests, and drive to serve their community, with integrity and humility than Yosef Wosk, who retires this month after 15 years as Continuing Studies Interdisciplinary Programs director. A celebrated scholar with doctorates in religion and literature, and psychology, Yosef has worked tirelessly for SFU and for museums, schools, libraries and hundreds of other organizations worldwide. His generosity is legendary and his ability to see a need and fill it with his distinctive level of personal care and attention is inspirational…. Yet it is typical of the man that he considers ‘friendships with the people here at SFU and in the community’ as his greatest accomplishment.” With photograph; posted online and p. 2 in Simon Fraser University News.  (May 13, 2010)
• “The Carter Wosk Awards in Applied Art + Design were renamed in recognition of Associate Professor Sam Carter’s exceptional contribution to design and education, and the financial generosity of longtime Emily Carr friend and supporter,  Yosef Woskin 2009. The awards celebrate British Columbians who through their creativity contribute to the cultural and economic fabric of the Province.” Emily Carr University CONNECT Online Bulletin.  (March 9, 2010)
• Philosophers’ Cafés — Listed under Upcoming Events: “Philosophers’ Cafes”, photograph and caption that reads: “Moderator Dr. Yosef Wosk presenting ‘Are Arts and Culture Relevant in an Economic Recession?’” Jewish Museum and Archives of B.C. newsletter, The Chronicle, Vol. 16, Issue 1, p.4. (January – April 2010)
• “Alcuin Society Book Design Competition” — “In the past several years the competition has moved from the national level to the international level thanks in most part to the great generosity of local bibliophile, Dr. Yosef Wosk, and to the tireless and creative energies of Book Design Chair Leah Gordon.” The Fellowship of American Bibliophilic Societies, “Club News & Notes”; p. 16, Vol. XIV, No. 1. (Winter 2010)

— 2009 —

• “Word on the Street: Conversations with Sam” — Regarding a café program moderated by Yosef with guest Sam Sullivan, former mayor of Vancouver. Photograph and information about program, p. 20; Simon Fraser University, Continuing Studies, Philosophers’ Café brochure.  (September – December 2009)

The Carter Wosk Award in Applied Art + Design

                        [An affiliate award of The British Columbia Achievement Foundation]. Over the years there have been thousands of media reports about the program but no accurate record has been kept and not all reports have been posted online. A search of the Internet would yield the best results. A sample of articles includes: “Carter Wosk Award winners announced celebrating excellence in functional art and design in B.C.”, North Shore News (November 22, 2019); Crafted Vancouver website; “Fashion, pottery and furniture featured at the Carter Wosk Award in Applied Art + Design Exhibition”, Georgia Straight (November 18, 2019); “Award recipients for BC Applied Art and Design announced”, BC Gov News (September 1, 2011); Article by Tiffany Crawford for The Vancouver Sun (September 3, 2010); “Nominations Open: Carter Wosk Award for Applied Art and Design”, BC Alliance for Arts + Culture (May 3, 2017); Opus Art Supplies website; “Carter Wosk Awards Exhibition”, Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre (November 23, 2019); “Arts Awards, BC Artists, BC Crafts: Design Nominations”, Arts BC (June 12, 2017); “Carter Wosk Award winners announced celebrating excellence in functional art and design in B.C.”, VITA [Canada’s premiere online lifestyle magazine] (November 22, 2019); “Apply now for the 15^th annual Carter Wosk Award in Applied Art + Design”, Kootenay Arts E-Bulletin (May 29, 2019); “North Island College ceramics instructor recognized by BC arts community”, Campbell River Mirror (December 9 2019); Westerly Handmade Shoes (2015); VisitPenticton.com (2020); “Submissions open for the Carter Wosk BC Creative Achievement Awards”, Newswire.ca (March 11, 2010); numerous YouTube and Twitter postings; CanadianClaySymposium.com; “Outstanding BC Applied Artists and Designers Honoured with Awards”, GlobeNewsWire.com (September 22, 2017); Propeller, an independent, Vancouver based multi-disciplinary design studio, Propellor.ca; various posting on Connect, Emily Carr University—connect.ecuad.ca; Hornby Island Artists, hornbyisland.com; “B.C. Recognizes Top Achievers in Applied Art and Design”, mwpr.ca [Terrace. B.C.] (August 31, 2010); Alberni Valley News; Fraser Valley News Network; “Artists and designers honoured”, Surrey Now-Leader (January 23, 2014); ArtsVictoria.ca; VictoriaPotters.ca; “The ultimate rock hound: Idar Bergseth honoured for incredible creations”, Times Colonist, Victoria (October 24, 2013); “Artists around the province have a chance for recognition and cash prizes”, NorthEast News [Peace River Regional District and the Northern Rockies Regional District of British Columbia including Dawson Creek, Fort St. John, Hudson’s Hope, Fort Nelson] (May 13, 2015); “Denman Island potter recognized by BC arts community”, Comox Valley Record (December 11, 2019); “New Format Design Studio: ‘Henry [principle of the studio] Henry is a 2018 recipient of the prestigious British Columbia Achievement Foundation’s Carter Wosk Award for Applied Art + Design, established in 2003 to honour excellence of the best makers and designers in B.C.”, CraftedVancouver.com (2019); “Design in Canada: Outstanding Achievement from British Columbia, Canada Gallery located in the Canadian High Commission to the United Kingdom, London, August 7 to September 30, 2017. The exhibit is the result of the work of Professor Sam Carter along with Canadian cultural philanthropist Dr Yosef Wosk and the BC Achievement Foundation” (Canada International website of the Canadian Government, United Kingdom).  (2009 – present)

• “A Trio for Wosk: Yosef Wosk presented with one provincial and two national awards”. First paragraph of article reads: “Over the past few months, Yosef Wosk has received three significant awards in recognition of his superb efforts in the fields of education, philanthropy and community service. The accolades include the British Columbia Community Achievement Award, an Award for Outstanding Achievement from the Canadian Museums Association, and an Honourable Mention Program Award from the Canadian Association for University Continuing Education.”

Photograph with caption: “Lieutenant Governor Steven Point, Yosef Wosk, with Premier Gordon Campbell at the British Columbia Community Achievement Award, Government House in Victoria, on March 10, 2009.” P. 4; newsletter of the Jewish Museum & Archives of British Columbia (administered by the Jewish Historical Society of B.C.), The Chronicle.  (September – December 2009)

• “Debating arts funding: Philosophers’ Café is a tribune for all opinions” by Olga Livshin. Arts & Culture section, p. 11, Jewish Independent. (November 6, 2009)
• “Performing Arts: A Spoken Word Night” by David J. Litvak. “This year’s Whip Up is made possible by the library’s honorary chair, Dr. Yosef Wosk, who provided a grant to promote and support poetry in all its forms through the library at the JCC.” P. 7, The Jewish Independent. (November 6, 2009)
• Russian speaking Jewish Community — Article regarding JOLT (JIAS Opportunities for Leadership Training) Program to help train Russian immigrant leaders into Canadian and American communities. It is sponsored by Jewish Immigration Aid Services (JIAS) and the Jewish Funders Network, a New York-based philanthropic organization whose aim is to support Russian leadership integration into North American culture, the American Forum of the World Russian Jewry, as well as by Rabbi Yosef Wosk, an ardent supporter of the local Russian community. Jewish Independent. (August 21, 2009)
• Philosophers’ Café Brochure — Cover photograph. Simon Fraser University Continuing Studies. (January – August 2009)
• Article regarding appointment of new Vancouver poet laureate, Brad Cran. Print article and on website of The Vancouver Sun. An item also appeared on the online edition of Global TV. (2009)
• “Garden in the Sky: Public Access to rooftop garden a possibility. Library Square’s green novelty seen only by towering offices. Philanthropist envisions ‘lyrical’ garden respectful of literary works.” Front-page article reports on plans for a major rooftop garden on the central Vancouver Public Library. Yosef had been the major catalyst and donor for the project over a ten-year period. Also features the work of landscape architect Cornelia Oberlander. “Enter Yosef Wosk,” the article reads, “philanthropist, author, community leader, director of interdisciplinary programs in the department of continuing studies at Simon Fraser University and a passionate believer that this garden is a gift that should be shared with more than the lucky few who can see it from their homes or offices.” Quote from Yosef: “It’s a crown for the city. It plays an intellectual role of form and function: the content of a library and the building as an icon. It is magical.” The article continues: “Wosk sees the garden unlike anyone else…. He has already committed $250,000 to the redesign hoping to inspire others to join his cause. …I want to call it the Literary Sky Garden. I see something more lyrical. It should set an example for other roofs to follow. It should not be just another garden on a roof.” Article by Travis Dudfield; photography by Dan Toulgoet. Front-page story continued on pages 4 – 6 with photo on p. 4 with caption: “Philanthropist Yosef Wosk hopes to create individual rooftop gardens above the Vancouver Public Library, which showcase different cultural groups”. Vol. 100, Vol. 61, The Vancouver Courier. (Friday, July 31, 2009)
• “Hat Trick for Wosk”. The article reads in part: “Yosef Wosk, SFU’s continuing studies director of interdisciplinary programs, has been recognized again for his enduring contributions to education, philanthropy, and community service. The accolades include a British Columbia Community Achievement Award, an award for outstanding achievement in philanthropy from the Canadian Museums Association, and a Program Award Honourable Mention from the Canadian Association for University Continuing Education.” Front-page article in Simon Fraser University News. (Thursday, July 23, 2009)
• “To add to an already significant collection of awards, local luminary Rabbi Yosef Wosk, within the last few months, has received three significant awards in recognition of ‘superb efforts in the fields of education, philanthropy and community service.’ New awards…British Columbia Community Achievement Award, Award for Outstanding Achievement (philanthropy) from the Canadian Museums Association, and an Honorable Mention Program Award from the Canadian Association for University Continuing Education.” Jewish Independent, 13. (June 26, 2009)
• Photograph of Yosef, identified as a Pioneer at the JNF Pacific Region Annual Negev Dinner. Page 20, Jewish Independent. (June 26, 2009)
• “Rabbi wins three awards”. Photograph and text that partly reads: “When Rabbi Dr. Yosef Wosk speaks, people listen. Wosk—who established an endowment to create the position of Vancouver’s Poet Laureate—is a distinguished scholar, educator, author, rabbi, counsellor, bibliophile and art collector. His support of local and international communities includes libraries, museums, archives and galleries, as well as education, social services and the performing arts. Over the past few months he received three significant awards to add to his collection, which already includes an appointment to the Order of British Columbia.” Page 3; The Jewish Tribune, Western Edition. (June 18, 2009)
• “Supporting Education: New fellowship helps women in media school.” Concerning the establishment by Dr. Yosef Wosk and Dr. Gerri Sinclair of the Dianne Sinclair Memorial Fellowship Fund, to be offered to the most outstanding female student entering the Masters of Digital Media program each year, based on the student’s academic performance and portfolio assessment. [This announcement was also covered in other media such as the website of the Centre for Digital Media regarding the Dianne Sinclair Memorial Fellowship Fund (May 13, 2009).] Milestones Column, p. 12, The Jewish Independent. (May 29, 2009)
• “Connecting Poetry with Politics: Vancouver’s new poet laureate will celebrate culture of the city” by Rebecca Tebrake. West Coast News, Arts, p. A4, The Vancouver Sun. (May 6, 2009)
• “Christians Gather for Israel.” Partial quote: “Rabbi Yosef Wosk, making a blessing for the meal and hamotzi, contextualized the evening as part of a 2,000-year-old conversation between Christians and Jews which, Wosk noted, has been at times typified by ‘discord, misunderstanding and persecution.’ But, he added, ‘Christians and Jews have never stopped talking.’ Article by Pat Johnson, Community column, p. 12; The Jewish Independent. (May 1, 2009)
• “500 Christians, Jews, join in solidarity at pro-Israel dinner.” Quote from article: “Rabbi Wosk opened the dinner with a poetic and hopeful address before saying the blessing for the meal. ‘We join together,’ said the rabbi, ‘in the midst of a 2000-year-old conversation, a conversation that has not always been good; a dialogue that has often been marked by discord, misunderstanding and persecution. Nevertheless, Christians and Jews have never stopped talking, never abandoned hope, never neglected prayer, never forsaken the words of our prophets.” Article by Alisa Bell, p. 2; Jewish Tribune, Western Edition. (April 30, 2009)
• “Philosophers’ Café for secondary school students” by Kit Krieger. “‘It is like a pot luck dinner. You never know what people are going to bring and what it is going to taste like.’ This was the metaphor that Yosef Wosk used to describe the concept of the Philosophers’ Café, a phenomenon initiated by Wosk ten years ago in Vancouver and thriving worldwide.” Vol. 29, No. 6, p. 10, Teacher Magazine of the BC Teachers’ Federation. (April 2009)
• “Gardens of Earthly Delights: Health and happiness may be directly related to how green your garden grows”. Yosef mentioned referring to a Philosophers’ Café event in Vancouver that asked “Is it possible to plan public gardens and parks that enrich our private and communal lives”. “Dr. Yosef Wosk, the university’s director of interdisciplinary programs, described a concept whereby gardens are places where people can experience unlimited pleasure—an idea that goes back to the Garden of Eden.” Article by Melissa Deitz, pages 114 – 115, Australian Vogue (March or April 2009)
• “Yosef Wosk is 2009 B.C. Community Achiever” —The text reads: “Premier Gordon Campbell recently announced that Yosef Wosk, program director, Interdisciplinary Programs, is the recipient of a 2009 B.C. Community Achievement Award. The award “celebrates British Columbians who go above and beyond in their dedication and service to others and to devote time and energy to making their communities more caring, dynamic, beautiful, healthy and unique. They inspire by their example.” Simon Fraser University News, News Shorts: Updates, Continuing Studies insert, p. 2. (March 19, Spring 2009)
• Community Achievement Award — “Awards honour contribution to community: forty-five recipients from all across the province are being given the BC Community Achievement Award tonight” by Sam Smith. Excerpt: “The recognition is handed out to those who have made a significant contribution to their community, ranging in anything from sports to business innovation. Two of the recipients, Dr. Yosef Wosk and Sam Carter, spoke to Metro about their achievements.” In Learning Curve section, p. 23, Metro Newspaper. (March 10, 2009)
• “Morris Wosk and Dr. Yosef Wosk make BC’s Most Influential List”. “In an online poll conducted by the Vancouver Sun, SFU Interdisciplinary Program Director, Dr. Yosef Wosk, along with his father, Morris Wosk, make the list as two of BC’s most influential citizens. The January 9, 2009 story includes a surprising and eclectic group of citizens who have helped shape the province in a meaningful way. While more a grassroots rather than scientific poll, it is an honour that these two men who have been critical to the development and growth of Simon Fraser University are recognized for their myriad contributions both within and outside of SFU.” Article by Diane Mar-Nicolle; Philosophers’ Café    (January 2009)
• Member Announcements: “We are proud to report that several of our members, Morris J. Wosk, z”l, Rabbi Yosef Wosk, and Jack Diamond, z”l, have been recognized in the Vancouver Sun’s list of the 150 most influential citizens in British Columbia”. Online and in print, Congregation Schara Tzedeck Shabbat Bulletin. (January 10, 2009)
• “A Quest to Find the Best”. An invitation to the public to join the Vancouver Sun to help determine the 150 most influential citizens throughout the province’s history. Among those listed were Morris J. Wosk and Yosef Wosk. Special supplement: 150^th Anniversary of British Columbia Edition, p. G13; The Vancouver Sun (November 19, 2008). Results of the poll were published in The Vancouver Sun  (January 9, 2009).
• “Viva Vancouver: Book Culture thrives in Canada’s frontier city” — Gently Mad column by Nicholas Basbanes, one of the preeminent writers on bibliophiles and all things related to books. “I was particularly taken by the remarkable Judaica material gathered by a local philanthropist, author, educator, and bibliophile, Dr. Yosef Wosk, founder of the Academy for Independent Scholars in Vancouver, and a principal sponsor of my trip.” Fine Books & Collections magazine and online. (January 2009)
• “The Indie Scene: The life of an independent scholar without the safety net of a university, brings with it trepidation, financial challenges, and, for some, exhilarating freedom. Meet four who’ve taken the ride” Also in French as “Faire cavalier seul—Chercheurs indépendants.” As founder of the Canadian Academy of Independent Scholars and the Philosophers’ Café, Yosef was one of the first interviewed when the author began research on independent scholars. He is quoted throughout the article including the opening and closing. Article by Pascal Zamprelli, illustrations by Amanda Woodward. Cover story on Independent Scholars, pp. 8 – 12, Volume 50, No. 1, in Canada’s leading higher education magazine, University Affairs [Affaires universitaires], published by the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada, Ottawa. (January 2009)
• “Alumni receive B.C. Creative Awards” by Robin Laurence; and “Sam Carter + The Carter Wosk Creative Achievement Award” by Robin Laurence. Quote: “Dr. Wosk was applauded for his generous and visionary support of the arts, while Carter was cited for his exceptional contributions to creativity, education and curation in the design field. ‘I was surprised and honoured that Dr. Wosk selected me to be part of the name of this prestigious award,’ Carter said.” P. 3, Visions, Magazine of Emily Carr University of Art + Design. (Winter 2009)
• “Club News & Notes: Programs, Events and Publications” — In report from The Alcuin Society: “Once again in many of the accomplishments noted above (Nick Basbanes Lecture Series, the Reid Medal, the Endowment Fund, etc.) the Society is sincerely indebted and grateful to Dr. Yosef Wosk for his ongoing support and encouragement.” P. 14, Vol. XIII, Number 1; The Fellowship of the American Bibliophilic Society Newsletter; Kirkwood, Missouri. (Winter 2009)
• Best News Story 2008. Two of the five top news [although a sixth was added as a tie] stories in Simon Fraser University’s Continuing Studies were accorded to programs that Yosef developed: The Canadian Academy of Independent Scholars and the 10th Anniversary of the Philosophers’ Café.

— 2008 —

• “Best place to speak your mind.” Congratulations Philosophers’ Café, you received the second most votes for Vancouver’s best place to speak your mind—Georgia Straight Best of Vancouver Readers’ Choice Awards. Georgia Straight.  (2008)
• “Learning Starts in the Home” by Ron Friedman. Panel discussion on perspectives of teachers and principals stressing the crucial role that parents have in their children’s education. Part of the Ethics and Torah Program. Yosef was the evening’s moderator. Education Section, p. 4, The Jewish Independent.  (December 12, 2008)
• “The Ethics and Torah Forum: Bringing the Best Out of Your Children”, article concerning challenges of parenting and educating children in the world today at King David High School. Yosef was moderator. The Jewish Independent. (November 28, 2008)
• Alcuin Society Excellence in Book Design

“Dr. Yosef Wosk and the Wosk family have generously assisted the Alcuin Society to expand the importance of the Alcuin awards for book design. With their financial help we have been able to improve the awards catalogue, bring judges from outside British Columbia, exhibit the awarded books throughout Canada and Europe, and make other enhancements to the programme. Dr. Wosk, with his ongoing financial support, enthusiasm, wisdom, and specific advice, has helped us to increase the awards from the relatively modest undertaking they once were to the internationally recognized national competition they are today. We are grateful to Dr. Wosk and his family for their continued support.” Photograph and full page “Special Thanks—Mille Fois Merci”, p. 68. This or a variation has been printed in every edition of the catalogue since 2008. Catalogue of The Alcuin Society Awards for Excellence in Book Design in Canada: Prix de la Société Alcuin pour l’excellence de la conception graphique du livre au Canada.  (2008)

• Word on the Street, 14^th Annual Word on the Street Festival, “where lovers of the written word can revel in the diversity, quality and originality of writing and publishing in our province and our country”. “Writing Talks”, Yosef was moderator of a Philosophers’ Café at the Vancouver Public Library with guest Paul Whitney, City Librarian, on the topic “The Future of Books in the 21^st Century”. Listed in program, p. 45. (September 28, 2008)
• Fanny Kiefer interviews Yosef Wosk founder of SFU Continuing Studies’ Philosophers’ Café on its 10^th Anniversary. 20 minutes. Shaw Cable Television, numerous rebroadcasts. (September 24, 2008)
• “John Ralston Saul addresses first Independent Scholars Symposium” (p. 3); Yosef as moderator with guest Paul Whitney, City Librarian. Topic: “The Future of Books in the 21^st Century” (p. 6); picture with caption “Dr. Yosef Wosk welcomes Mayor Sam Sullivan to the Inaugural Symposium of the Canadian Academy of Independent Scholars” (p. 11); with short article by Yosef, “Think you very much!” (p. 15). Philosophers’ Café 10 Year Anniversary Newsletter, Continuing Studies, Simon Fraser University. (Fall 2008)
• “A Time to Recognize and Thank our Donors” — Colour photograph with caption: “Emily Carr Foundation honoured the following donors for their outstanding and generous contributions….” P.14, Visions, Magazine of Emily Carr University of Art + Design. (Fall 2008)
• Yeshiva honours donors — Under “Community” section of newspaper: “PTI reaches $1 million goal: Yeshiva honours donors who make running the school possible”. Article by Ron Friedman, with photos of Yosef, the evening’s honouree (the event took place on June 24, 2008). Part of quote from Y: “Whether it’s in collecting books, or friends or yeshivas I want it to be real, authentic and something that is eternal. And in PTI, in the yeshiva, I think we’ve all found it.” P. 7, Jewish Independent. (July 4, 2008)
• Pacific Torah Institute honours Rabbi Yosef Wosk. Malcolm Parry’s column, “Town Talk”, with a colour photo of Yosef and a quote. Vancouver Sun. (Saturday, June 28, 2008)
• Our Family! column, Yosef is the featured family member including a short bio and congratulations on being honored by Pacific Torah Institute. Online and in print, Congregation Schara Tzedeck Shabbat Bulletin. (June 21, 2008)
• “Spirituality as ‘resistance’: Independent scholars get together for the first time at SFU”, by Cynthia Ramsay with photograph. Regarding the Inaugural Canadian Academy of Independent Scholars Symposium, May 24 – 25, 2008. Front-page story, Jewish Independent. (June 6, 2008)
• Independent Scholars Inaugural Symposium — Regarding the Canadian Academy of Independent Scholars Inaugural Symposium, May 24 -25, 2008. “The Indie Scene: The Canadian Academy of Independent Scholars held its inaugural symposium in 2008 at the Vancouver campus (of Simon Fraser University)….” A number of media mentions including the SFU Continuing Studies website and University Affairs [Ottawa] website on the Indie Scene. (May – June 2008)
• “Restoration of the gravesite of explorer Simon Fraser” — “It was a labour of love for a small group of history buffs in St. Andrews West, Ontario. They received a $2500 donation from SFU and personal donations from Yosef Wosk and Chancellor Brandt Louie.” SFU Media Matters regarding article in newspaper 24 Hours. (March 14, 2008)
• “Interdisciplinary Cafés and Conversations” — Page 3, Simon Fraser University News, Continuing Studies Supplement. (Spring 2008)
• “Bursaries at Work.” “Dr. Yosef Wosk, OBC, is one of Emily Carr Institute’s most generous supporters. In addition to donating an important art collection valued at a million dollars, he has established a significant Bursary Endowment Fund and initiated a Scholarship Fund to help students in need. ‘Sometimes you’re just inspired to give. You don’t always wait to be asked. Philanthropy itself can be creative. It’s like a garden of giving: you sow the seeds, you cultivate, and then enjoy the harvest.’ He sees aesthetics as essential to our community. ‘Art and design permeate everything. Artists remind the rest of us to look for beauty and appreciate quality in our lives.’” Your Guide to Scholarships, Bursaries, Fellowships & Awards, 8 with photograph; Emily Carr Institute of Arts, Design + Media. (2008)

— 2007 —

• “Resettlement & Integration Services — The Vancouver Association of Russian Jewry (VERA / VARJ),” VERA was successfully launched with the support from the World Congress of Russian Jewry. Under the leadership of JFSA, Rabbi Wosk and Rabbi Baitelman, the association engaged former Russian immigrants and recent arrivals in a variety of projects with the objective to build leadership through outreach, education and programming. p. 10, Jewish Family Service Agency Annual Report 2007
• The Scribe Journal — In this issue, the Morris J. Wosk family was mentioned in a number of articles including: “Dena and Morris Wosk z”l, endowed the school [Vancouver Talmud Torah] with a small synagogue. The Wosks dedicated the Beit Hamidrash in honour of their son Yosef’s rabbinic ordination from Yeshiva University” (p. 12); the Chava and Abrasha Wosk Synagogue, Louis Brier Home and Hospital (page 13); “The [Or Shalom Synagogue] congregation has a travelling Torah and aron kodesh and two large Torahs, one donated in 1995 by the late Morris and Dena Wosk….” (p. 18); Congregation Sha’arai Mizrah, Burquest Jewish Community Association, Coquitlam. “In 1995 four congregations in the Lower Mainland became the recipients of a Sefer Torah donated by Morris J. Wosk…and the Burquest Jewish community was honoured to receive this gift.” (p. 20); “Rabbi Yosef Wosk, who is a spiritual mentor to the community, actively participated in the search for the Torah which was bought in Jerusalem, and then again with the replacement Torah to be sure that it was in good repair. Yosef commented that in Israel, a small corner of every new building is left incomplete symbolizing that until Israel is at peace, nothing should be perfect.” (p. 21); White Rock South Surrey Jewish Community Centre—“Like several other congregations in the Lower Mainland, they were the fortunate recipient of a Torah from the late Morris and Dena Wosk.” (p. 22); article Wosk Sifrei Torah describes the four Torahs donated by Morris J. Wosk to various Lower Mainland congregations [White Rock/Surrey, Burquest, Or Shalom, and Shaarey Tefilah] in 1995. ( 26); and mention of Yosef (p. 45). Yosef also wrote a significant article, “An Introduction” to the journal theme of “A History of Torah Scrolls in BC’s Jewish Communities”. Subject headings included: “What is written in the Torah?”; “Interpretations”; “Where did it begin; when will it end?”; and “Who is obligated to study and for how long?” (p. 5 – 7). Vol. XXVI, No. 2, The Scribe, The Journal of the Jewish Historical Society of British Columbia. (2007)
• “A passion for libraries and learning.” Feature article excerpts: “Dr. Yosef Wosk exemplifies what it means to be a very good friend. He has supported hundreds of libraries—fledgling and established; urban and rural; public, private and academic—in British Columbia and around the world….‘One of the wonderful things about Yosef is that in addition to his generous financial support, he is very giving with his ideas, energy and time,’ says University Librarian Lynn Copeland. ‘He leads by example and his love for lifelong learning is infectious.’ …Dr. Wosk supported the creation of learning commons in the libraries at SFU Surrey and SFU Vancouver. Integrated with library services, student learning commons are one-stop shops for academic support that provide in-person and online workshops, drop-in tutorials, and individualized assistance to ensure that students achieve success in their academic and professional careers.” Posted under “Library Donors” on Simon Fraser University Library website.  (December 6, 2007)
• Note of Yosef being presented with the Vancouver Board of Trade’s Spirit of Vancouver Award [Individual]. The citation read: “Presented to Yosef Wosk for his work with libraries, museums, the arts, social service, religion, and the development of programs such as The Philosophers’ Café, and for demonstrating the true spirit of Vancouver.” Page 11, Jewish Independent. (October 26, 2007)
• Interdisciplinary Programs report on programs and related activities including Independent Scholars, Philosophers’ Café, and visit to Paris to welcome the legendary scholar Claude Lévi-Straus becoming the first Distinguished Patron of the Canadian Academy of Independent Scholars. Accompanied by photographs including one of Guy Buchholtzer and Yosef in front of the Café des Phares, the first modern Bistrot Philo in Paris. P. 12, Simon Fraser University Continuing Studies Annual Report. (2006 – 2007)
• “Vancouver Board of Trade Spirit of Vancouver Award.” Yosef, who received the Spirit of Vancouver Award [Individual Spirit Award], was mentioned among the list of winners. “These awards are all about the people who make a difference in improving our community and making Vancouver the great place it is in which to live.” Article by Ian Austin; The Vancouver Province.   (September 18, 2007)
• “Wosk Gift Strengthens SFU Library.” Excerpt: “Philanthropist Yosef Wosk’s most recent gift to SFU will support a new Student Learning Commons in the Belzberg Library at the Vancouver campus. The $75,000 donation announced last month follows Wosk’s $100,000 contribution least year to launch the Yosef Wosk Student Learning Commons at the SFU’s Surrey campus.” P. 3, Simon Fraser University News. (September 6, 2007)
• British Columbia Paraplegic Association — Yosef served on the Honorary Board of Governors. Photograph on p. 15 with Mayor Sam Sullivan and Lynn Zanatta, and former Mayor Phillip Owen and Brita Owen. Total Access, magazine of the British Columbia Paraplegic Association. (Summer 2007)
• “Giving Back” [a regular column on philanthropy in Canada]—The Donor: Yosef Wosk; The Donation: $2-million in recent years; The Cause: Libraries, languages and art; The Reason: To promote education.” Article reviewing some recent philanthropic work. Some quotes include: “As a rabbi and scholar, Dr. Yosef Wosk has spent much of his life surrounded by books…. Dr. Wosk’s passion for books has become a focus for his extensive philanthropy. He has donated to libraries around the world and he recently teamed up with the B.C. Libraries Association to fund libraries in Africa and South America. He has also donated $100,000 to the SFU library, $250,000 to the Vancouver library and $100,000 to create a poet laureate for Vancouver. He recently set up the Yosef Wosk Libraries, Museums and Archives Fund within the Vancouver Foundation and hopes to build a $1-milliion endowment. Dr. Wosk has also donated a $1-million art collection to the Emily Carr Institute of Arts and Design and he is working on programs to preserve aboriginal languages. He came to philanthropy partly through his father, Morris, a Vancouver developer who gave away $50-million in his lifetime. ‘When you are planning for next year, plant a seed,’ said Dr. Wosk, quoting an ancient Chinese proverb. ‘If you are planning for 10 years from now, plant a tree. If you are planning for 100 years from now, educate the people.’” Column by Paul Waldie, photograph by Greg Ehlers; Report on Business Section, p. B2, The Globe and Mail.  (Saturday, June 30, 2007)
• “Honors given to Yosef Wosk: University, library thank philanthropist and scholar at special event.”

Quotes from article: ““By the time the final word of admiration and thanks had drifted into the stillness of a candlelighting ceremony, the summer sun had set through the high windows of the Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue in downtown Vancouver. The facility, named for the late Vancouver philanthropist, was the site of an honour for another Wosk, a son whose unique contributions to Vancouver and the world were heralded by a diverse crowd of artists and activists, academics and friends on May 31. Dr. Yosef Wosk, whose support for Simon Fraser University and the Vancouver Public Library was the reason for the evening, was acclaimed for his work in a massive and eclectic range of fields. ‘He is someone who really defines what it is to be a scholar,’ said Dr. Michael Stevenson, president of Simon Fraser University. ‘He builds institutions that enable education and that enable dialogue.’ Dr. Richard Hopkins…said Wosk has done much to build libraries in rural areas, in the developing world and among Canadian First Nations. Ann Cowan…presented Wosk with a lapis lazuli ‘philosopher’s stone’ in recognition of his creation of the Philosophers’ Café series. …

Business ethicist Prof. Mark Wexler said Wosk exemplifies a harmonious balance between the profane world of materialism and the realm of the sacred—one of contemporary society’s greatest conflicts—’with elegance and grace.’ Dr. Ron Burnett, president of Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design, thanked Wosk for his creation of the book arts program there and said Wosk goes below the surface, into the essence of a thing. … ‘I see Yosef as an archeologist,’ Burnett said. ‘He is the city’s angel and he is my angel,’ said Vancouver city councilor Elizabeth Ball, who thanked Wosk for his support of the arts. Vancouver’s poet laureate, George McWhirter, who owes his position to Wosk’s enthusiasm for poetry, prepared a sonnet to mark the occasion. John McAvity, executive director of the Canadian Museums Association, commended Wosk [as] a leading supporter of museums and libraries and concluded: ‘Vancouver, you are very fortunate to have Yosef Wosk.’” Article by Pat Johnson, photograph by Rory Richards; p. 6, The Jewish Independent.  (June 8, 2007)

• “Rabbi Yosef Wosk’s humanitarian and philanthropic accomplishments were feted Thursday at the Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue, a facility his family donated to Simon Fraser University in 2000. In his tribute, SFU president Michael Stevenson said: ‘Universities talk about collegiality, but are not always the best exemplars. But Yosef Wosk is…and I thank him for it.’” Malcolm Parry column, Vancouver Sun. (June 2, 2007)
• “Lauding the Lily”, a poem by George McWhirter; printed by Alex Widen for distribution on 31 May 2007 at an event hosted by Simon Fraser University and Vancouver Public Library, celebrating the contributions of Dr Yosef Wosk to the cultural life of Vancouver. “Lauding the Lily”, written by George McWhirter, Vancouver’s first Poet Laureate, was requested by Gary Stephen Ross for publication in Vancouver magazine following the creation of the Poet Laureate position by Dr Wosk. George also wrote another personal poem entitled Delivery that he “Brought downtown, in a loose lasso of rhyme, for Yosef Wosk, in return for his contribution to verse in the City”. (May 31, 2007)
• “Roll of the dice benefits school” — Regarding a fundraiser for Vancouver Talmud Torah elementary school. The Scene section, p. 12, Jewish Independent. (May 25, 2007)
• “Wosk libraries’ main man”. Excerpts from the article; “He is the reason Vancouver has a poet laureate. Last October, philanthropist Dr. Yosef Wosk agreed to donate $100,000 to create a permanent poet laureate position…. Wosk has made many contributions to education, arts and culture in Vancouver and worldwide—and that is why the Simon Fraser University library and the Vancouver Public Library are holding a special evening for Wosk.” 12^th & Cambie [i.e. address of City Hall] column by Mike Howell, photo with caption “Dr. Yosef Wosk—rabbi / philanthropist / scholar”. P. 8, Vancouver Courier. (May 4, 2007)
• “New museum puts B.C. Jewish life on display,” by Lauren Kramer; The Canadian Jewish News.  (May 3, 2007)
• “Seniors Program Launches Outreach Project”. Excerpt: “Alan Aberbach, director of the Seniors Program, initiated a new outreach program, a series of ten filmed panel discussions. The first video, Perceptions of God and Heaven (The Afterlife), consists of a panel of three: a rabbi (Yosef Wosk), an Anglican priest (Shirley Stockdill), and a Muslim Imam (Mohamad Rachid) who, together with Alan Aberbach as moderator, discuss how a Jew, a Christian, and a Muslim view God and Heaven.” Article and photograph, p. 2; Spring 2007, included as an insert in Simon Fraser University News.  (April 5, 2007)
• “W is for Wosk: Len Walker self-published book about the need for providing relief to tsunami victims in south-east Asia, Yosef Wosk contacted Walker and provided $9,651 towards the installation of library equipment in four pre-school/community centres in Sri Lanka.” P. 38, BC BookWorld.  (Spring 2007)
• “A New Home in Canada.” “A recent generous gift came from one of our community’s spiritual and philanthropic leaders, Rabbi Yosef Wosk. At last month’s Innovator’s Lunch, Rabbi Wosk, the embodiment of tzedakah, announced to a sold-out crowd [500] that he would match every dollar raised at the event. Rabbi Wosk’s contribution will primarily help fund employment and newcomer programs over the next three years.” One example from his stirring message: “Shall we enter the immigrant mind, the broken heart, the tired dream, the embarrassment beneath the bravery that the new immigrant must feel? We know their hearts, because we, too, were strangers. And, once again, JFSA is there with resettlement, integration, social and translation services.” 1 – 2; Jewish Family Service Agency Newsletter, Mishpacha. (Spring 2007)
• A Visit to Paris. [As a humorous aside, the article could have been titled: “A chief, a rabbi and an anthropologist walk into a bar”.] Article describing the visit to Paris by Chief William Cranmer — Chair of Umista Cultural Society of the Kwakwaka’wakw First Nations of British Columbia, Chair of the Chiefs’ National Committee for Language and Culture for the Assembly of First Nations of Canada, and Chief of ‘Namgis of First Nation — Guy Buchholtzer and Yosef to visit Prof. Claude Lévi-Strauss and other cultural luminaries. With photo by Madame Strauss. U’mista Cultural Society [of the KwakwaKawakw Tribe] Annual Report. (March 31, 2007)
• “City announces inaugural Poet Laureate — George McWhirter.” Excerpt: “…The Poet Laureate is funded through a $100,000 donation by Dr. Yosef Wosk which was matched by the BC Arts Renaissance Fund and held in trust by the Vancouver Foundation. This ensures that the poet laureate position will continue in the city of Vancouver.” News Release from the Ctiy of Vancouver. (March 8, 2007)
• “Developer Family Seeds Preservation Fund” about the De Cotiis family and Yosef’s donations to the Vancouver Heritage Foundation’s Save the Buildings Fund established in honour of Larry Beasley’s retirement as Vancouver’s co-director of planning. The Vancouver Sun and com, CanWest News Service (March 3, 2007)
• “The VHF Undertakes Two New Studies Funded by Donor Yosef Wosk,” concerning studies for Public Access & Interpretation for the Burrard Bridge and Relighting the Marine Building. Page 5, Old News: The Vancouver Heritage Foundation Newsletter. (February 2007)
• “A Decade of Ideas: The Talk Keeps Brewing at Victoria’s Café Philosophy”. Yosef mentioned in the article by Katherine Dedyna. Times Colonist, Victoria, B.C. (January 23, 2007)
• “Free Expression Often Stifled. Universities: Scholars seem reluctant to discuss certain subjects for fear of being labeled ‘culturally insensitive’”, article by Douglas Todd. Quote: “I refer to a controversial package I wrote a few years ago in the Vancouver Sun that ranked B.C.’s top 50 public intellectuals. The list included, from SFU, economist Richard Lipsey, Philosophers’ Café founder Yosef Wosk, ethicist Mark Wexler, community planner Mark Roseland, and, from UBC, medical economist Robert Evans, historian Jean Barman, and ecologist Bill Rees. Thinkers on this list, and many more who could have been on it, show courage to engage the wider world. They’re prepared to test their insights in the marketplace of ideas, where merely ‘interesting thoughts’ are also expected to be ‘important’.” West Coast News, p. B2-3; The Vancouver Sun. (January 9, 2007)
• Board of directors of NCIS, the largest independent scholars organization in the United States. Yosef was a board member for many years. Article with photograph. Vol. 21, No. 4, p. 3, “Independent Scholars” newsletter of the National Coalition of Independent Scholars [no set office but itinerant in various cities according to current elected officers]. (Winter 2007)
• “Club News & Notes: Programs, Events and Publications” — In report from The Alcuin Society: “Thanks to the continuing support of Dr. Yosef Wosk of Simon Fraser University, the Society was able to commission a number of Canadian wood-cut artists to produce après mark for an imaginary press of their own devising….” P. 15, Vol. XI, Number 1; The Fellowship of the American Bibliophilic Society Newsletter; Kirkwood, Missouri. (Winter 2007)
• “Interdisciplinary Programs” featured article (Yosef was director of Interdisciplinary Programs for fifteen years) and photographs. Included in text was the following quote: “Spring 2006 was an extraordinary season of growth for both the Philosophers’ Café and the Canadian Academy of Independent Scholars. Guy Buchholtzer and Chief William Cranmer joined program director Yosef Wosk on a cultural/academic pilgrimage to Paris. The journey was three-fold: to visit the first Philosophers’ Café of the modern era, Café des Phares; as a delegation of Independent Scholars to meet with distinguished Paris-based individuals and organizations; and to make a visit of gratitude to the legendary scholar Claude Levi-Strauss, … the first distinguished Patron of the Canadian Academy of Independent Scholars.” P. 12, Simon Fraser University Continuing Studies Annual Report. (2006 – 2007)

— 2006 —

• “Dr. Yosef Wosk”; article and colour photograph. Selected quotes: “When Dr. Yosef Wosk speaks, people listen…. A dedicated philanthropist, Wosk has had a long involvement with Vancouver Foundation. He is a member of the Foundation’s Education Advisory Committee and in 2005 established the Yosef Wosk Libraries, Museums and Archives Fund to honour the past and inform the future. ‘Libraries, museums and archives are temples for recording and understanding knowledge.’ Wosk has established or endowed over two hundred libraries and museums worldwide.” Annual Report, p. 14, Vancouver Foundation.  (2006)
• “Letter from the President”—Among points is news of the Communications & Media Committee of which Yosef became a member [p. 1]; “New Dues Structure”—including announcement of Patron, Benefactor and Life Membership categories (as initiated by Yosef who became the first Life Member of the organization) [p. 8]; and “Canadian Academy of Independent Scholars”—Letter of congratulations from Janet Wasserman, President of National Coalition of Independent Scholars [p. 30]. Vol. 20, No. 4; The Independent Scholar, Newsletter of The National Coalition of Independent Scholars.  (Winter 2006)
• “SFU’s popular Philosophers’ Cafes.” Quote from Yosef: “From humble beginnings seven years ago, they have sprouted like mushrooms all over this rainy city. Roughly 50,000 people have come to them to ponder age-old questions, to think out loud, to sound off, to listen and meet new people.” The Vancouver Sun. (Week previous to November 17, 2006)
• “We’re a global conversation capital: Philosophers’ Café. Our penchant for stimulating discussion makes SFU series distinct from the Euro hotbed of gatherings, Paris” by Yvonne Zacharias. Yosef interviewed and extensively quoted, for example: “What we have established here in Vancouver is the largest series of (philosophers’) cafes under the auspices of one organization anywhere in the world…. Vancouver is really one of the conversation capitals in the world right now because of this program.” Full-page article and large illustration; in West Coast Life weekly guide to arts, entertainment & west coast culture, p. D23, The Vancouver Sun. (November 16, 2006)
• “God, Heaven and the Afterlife — On DVD.” “SFU’s Continuing Studies Seniors Program is reaching out to promote dialogue among often socially isolated seniors. The first project, ‘Perceptions of God and Heaven (The Afterlife)’, is a 56-minute, two-part DVD developed with the Seniors Lifelong Learners Society. It features panelists Rabbi Yosef Wosk, Reverend Shirley Stockdill, and Imam Mohamad Rachid, with moderator Alan Aberbach, director of the Seniors Program….” P. 3, Simon Fraser University News (November 16, 2006)
• “Wosk gives to poetry: Donation helps fund position in perpetuity.” Article regarding the creation of a Poet Laureate position for the city of Vancouver. “Wosk had pledged $5,000 per year to establish a poet laureate for the next three years, but since Vancouver city council’s approval of the initiative and an outpouring of support from the local arts community, he announced a larger donation [of $100K] that will establish an endowment through the Vancouver Foundation.” Article and photograph in Vancouver Community section, p. 4; The Jewish Independent. (October 27, 2006)
• “Wosk envisions idyllic urban garden: Poetry a perfect fit for library rooftop” article by Mike Howell. Excepts: “Wosk announced in Mayor Sam Sullivan’s office he will donate $100,000 to create a permanent poet laureate position for the city…. Wosk said ‘the poet laureate will be a living manifestation of the city’s beauty, rhythm, struggles and sound. The poet is more than a rhyming couplet,” he added. “The poet rides rhythm as saddled heartbeat in a vital network of urban choreography and knows that tragic as well as sublime beauty is a constant gift in this village by the sea.” Photograph by Dan Toulgoet with caption: “Philanthropist Yosef Wosk hopes to see poets reading from the downtown library’s rooftop garden.” P. 13, Vancouver Courier. (October 25, 2006)
• “Mayor Announces New Legacy Funding from Dr. Yosef Wosk to Establish Poet Laureate for Vancouver”. “Mayor Sam Sullivan and Councillor Elizabeth Ball today met with Yosef Wosk to accept a generous gift of a hundred thousand dollars to create a permanent Poet Laureate position for Vancouver.” City of Vancouver, Mayor’s Office News Release.  (October 20, 2006)
• “Elizabeth Ball [City Councillor] announced…that her proposal to set up the post of poet laureate for Vancouver has drawn a large infusion of cash from local philanthropist-scholar Yosef Wosk. Wosk had originally shown his support for the plan by pledging $15,000 to set up three years’ worth of stipends. But when council approved Ball’s initiative unanimously, Wosk raised his gift to $100,000, establishing an endowment that will fund the position in perpetuity.” Arts Notes on Straight.com, website of The Georgia Straight. (October 20, 2006)
• “Laureate Too” by Michael Hayward. “…Vancouver is to have its own civic poet laureate (kudos to Yosef Wosk, SFU’s philosopher king, for offering to underwrite the position’s honorarium for the first three years).” Website Text & Pretext.  (October 18, 2006)
• “Vancouver may get its own poet laureate” by Chad Skelton and Nicholas Read. Yosef, who donated the initial endowment, was interviewed and quoted. West Coast News, p. B1, continues on B4, Vancouver Sun. (October 17, 2006)
• Library News — Quote: “It was great to see Yosef Wosk, former VPL Library Board member and longtime supporter of Friends and Foundation, receive the Keith Sacre Award in recognition of a significant contribution to BC libraries by a community member.” 2, Bookmark, Newsletter of the Friends of the Vancouver Public Library. (October 2006)
• “[University of Victoria] Continuing Studies Benefactors: Yosef Wosk and Harold and Linda Kalman.” Referring to the Diploma in Cultural Resource Management Program (CRMP), Continuing Studies and the Faculty of Fine Arts, and Yosef’s donations to create a travel scholarship program. Quote from the article: “As a participant in CRMP, Yosef Wosk has enjoyed interacting with fellow students from across North America and beyond in on-campus intensive courses. ‘This is one of the best cultural heritage programs, bringing together colleagues from all over the world for stimulating sessions by acknowledged experts in the field. It is an honour to support such valuable gatherings that respect the past while looking forward to the future.’ To encourage diversity in the classroom, Yosef has made available six awards per year to support diploma candidates who must travel to complete course requirements.” Continuing Studies Program of Courses and Newsletter Magazine [Catalogue), “Partners in Learning” Section, p. 3, photo and article. University of Victoria (Fall 2006)
• “SFU Surrey campus opens its doors”— Cover story: “Donors anchor SFU Surrey to the Fraser Valley”. Photograph of Dr. Yosef Wosk and mentioned in article as one of the major funders of the university’s expansion into Surrey and donor of the Student Learning Commons. “A hundred thousand dollars from Dr. Yosef Wosk, director of Interdisciplinary Programs at SFU’s department of Continuing Studies, supports the Learning Commons, a facility where students will find all of the networking, studying and counselling services and resources they need to achieve success in their academic and professional careers.” “Surrey Update”, Simon Fraser University News Supplement. (September 7, 2006)
• “A field waves on the Vancouver skyline: Stranded rooftop project may yet welcome visitors.” Article by Brian Hutchinson; Column: Summer in the City, p. A2, National Post.  (July 24, 2006)
• Keith Sacre Library Champion Award — The highest award presented by the C. Library Association to non-library personnel, presented to an individual, organization or business that has a record of support of libraries, literacy, public access to information and the overall aims and objectives of libraries. The recipient must have a demonstrated record of support to libraries and/or library aims and objectives that is regional or provincial in scope. Nominated by BCLA Libraries Across Borders Special Interest Group, in recognition of Yosef’s many contributions to libraries in British Columbia and in developing nations. A report in the BCLA Reporter: The newsletter of the British Columbia Library Association, June/July 2006, Vol. 50, No. 8, reported Yosef receiving the award on p. 13 with photograph. (2006)
• “Vancouver Gallery of Photography guided tour” by M. Elizabeth and J. Brady. “On April 29^th about 35 members of Lions Gate Camera Club and Burnaby Photographic Society enjoyed a guided tour of the Yosef Wosk photography Collection at the Vancouver Gallery of Photography. Locally based private collector, Yosef Wosk’s exhibition was a who’s who of 20^th century iconic photographers.” Lions Gate Camera Club, Photo Log (website), p. 10, vol. 70, Number 10.  (June 2006)
• The Vancouver Gallery of Photography’s entry notes, “after a very successful showing the Yosef Wosk Exhibit is drawing to a close. Saturday, June 17^th will be the last day of this astounding collection of photography…. This will be your chance to have a last look at this stunning collection of photographs.” Website Urban Mixer. (2006)
• “The Yosef Wosk Photography Collection” was a very successful exhibition with high attendance and significant media coverage. The Georgia Straight featured it as one of their rare Straight Choices. They called the show “stunning” and suggested that “this is one gallery show that’s worth seeking out.” The Vancouver Sun’s review wrote about “this spectacular collection of photographs by some of the world’s greatest photographers.” The exhibit was held at the Vancouver Gallery of Photography and Art Center from January to March 2006 and then extended by popular demand until June 2006.
• Mentioned in The Future of Art in a Digital Age: From Hellenistic to Hebraic Consciousness by Mel Alexenberg, (p. 161), Intellect Press, Bristol, UK. (2006)
• “Special Projects: The Vancouver Heritage Foundation appreciates generous support from Yosef Wosk to fund three projects in 2006.” Projects were: Burrard Bridge Pubic Access & Interpretation Study, The VHF Reading Room, and Marine Building Lighting Study. Page 10, Vancouver Heritage Foundation Annual Report. (2006)
• British Columbia Library Association — Keith Sacre Library Champion Award

“The Keith Sacre Library Champion Award is presented to an individual, organization, or business that has a record of support of libraries, literacy, public access to information and the overall aims and objectives of libraries. The award is intended for non-library personnel. Dr. Wosk was nominated by BCLA’s Libraries Across Borders Interest Group for his support of the Assistance to Libraries Project, and his long record of support for libraries and literacy. Dr. Wosk’s donation of $25,000 allowed the group to fund projects in Honduras, Ghana, and Guatemala. ‘Dr. Wosk has an incredible history of philanthropy to a number of worthy causes, including libraries and literacy, around the world,’ said 2005 – 2006 BCLA President, Melanie Houlden.” Press Release from the British Columbia Library Association.  (May 2, 2006)

• “Simon Fraser University announces $100,000 gift from Yosef Wosk, the first donation towards a $3 million fund raising campaign for Simon Fraser University’s award-winning architectural complex in Central City, Surrey.” Surrey Board of Trade Newsletter. (May 2006)
• “Wosk gift kicks off Surrey campaign” — “A $100,000 gift from Yosef Wosk marks the first contribution to the $3-million fundraising campaign for Simon Fraser University’s expanded Surrey campus. His father, the late Morris Wosk, was the driving force behind the creation of the Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue at SFU’s downtown Vancouver campus…Wosk’s donation to the Surrey campus will support the Yosef Wosk Student Learning Commons. … Says Wosk, ‘The new campus will be a centre of education and life for students, faculty and administrative staff. This dynamic group of people will attract business to the area. Business attracts culture. In essence, by supporting SFU, I will be able to provide benefits to the entire community.’ ‘Yosef and his family have been large supporters of SFU for many years,’ says SFU president Michael Stevenson. ‘The Greater Vancouver area has already felt the impact and will continue to benefit from his intellectual, hands-on, and financial commitment to the university. It is an honour to have a central facility at our Surrey campus bear his name.’” Article by Terry Lavander; p. 2, Vol. 35, No. 7, Simon Fraser University News. (April 6, 2006)
• “The Yosef Wosk Photography Collection. See this spectacular collection of photographs by some of the world’s greatest photographers.” “Yosef Wosk Collection: Gallery family moves on to new building, new focus.” Excerpts from article include: “On the second floor of an old drum factory that stands amid Kitsilano car dealerships and warehouses, there are 68 photographs on display by some of the world’s best known and most respected photographers. The impressive collection belongs to Yosef Wosk—a Vancouver rabbi and director of interdisciplinary programs at Simon Fraser University—while the unusual space is one of the latest additions to this city’s diverse gallery community…. The gallery’s imperfections act as a sort of reminder that this is a collection of photographs belonging to a man who collects according to what he likes, not according to the work’s worth nor the artist’s level of prestige. ‘[Wosk] started collecting quite young,’ Patrich says. ‘He collects with passion. He’s not trying to impress anyone. He does it quietly for his own pleasure.’ Many of the works Wosk has collected over the years are portraits, including the oft-reproduced 1941 image of Winston Churchill, taken by famed Ottawa-based photographer Yousuf Karsh. There’s also an Andy Warhol portrait of Mick Jagger, a Herb Ritts portrait of Madonna, and a sultry nude captured by Helmut Newton. Wosk has a large collection of works by Israeli photographer Tim Gidal, and a print of Dorothea Lange’s famous Migrant Mother.” Front-page mention and two photographs, with a full-page article and another five photographs on p. D18; Westcoast Life Section of The Vancouver Sun.  (March 30 – April 5, 2006)
• “Philanthropist donates $100,000 to Surrey SFU” — Regarding major donation to Simon Fraser University’s new Surrey campus and specifically to the Yosef Wosk Student Learning Commons that will provide networking, studying, counselling services and other resources to students. Article by Kevin Diakiw with photograph; p. 3, North Delta Leader.  (April 2, 2006)
• “$100,000 Wosk donation first for SFU’s Central City campus.” Quote from article: “The first contribution to the fundraising campaign for Simon Fraser University’s expanded campus in the Central City development in Surrey…. ‘The new campus will be a centre of education and life for students, faculty and administrative staff,’ says Wosk. ‘This dynamic group of people will attract business to the area. Business attracts culture. In essence, by supporting SFU, I will be able to provide benefits to the entire community.’” West Coast News, Surrey, p. B3, Vancouver Sun. (March 31, 2006)
• “Wosk donation launches SFU Surrey’s campaign.” Canadian-universities.net, Canada’s university and college information source. (March 30, 2006)
• “Sophie Burnett Memorial Endowment Fund” — “This new endowed award was initiated by Dr. Yosef Wosk in memory of Dr. Ron Burnett’s mother and in recognition of Dr. Burnett’s 10 years of service to Emily Carr Institute. ‘This endowed award will help to perpetuate the memory of a unique and inspiring individual,’ said Dr. Wosk. ‘The next generation, and the ones after that, will continue to benefit from the Burnett family. Just as Sophie championed her son’s education so many years ago, so Dr. Burnett has uplifted our vision and strengthened our entire school community. While individual lives may draw to a close, endowed gifts perpetuate the birth of creative souls.’” Emily Carr Institute of Art + Design + Media, 4, Visions. (Spring 2006)
• “Straight Choices: Legendary Lensers.” Featured Cultural Pick of the Week, with photograph of Heavy Roses by Edward Steichen. Highlight from article: “How often do you get the chance to see work by such legends all collected in one room? Photophiles can revel in their works and many more stunning black-and-whites at the Vancouver Gallery of Photography’s current show of prints from the Yosef Wosk Collection…. This is one gallery show that’s worth seeking out.” P. 63, The Georgia Straight. (March 9 – 16, 2006)
• “New Sensations from Historical Photography” by Christopher Grabowski, who writes, in part: “In the cozy Vancouver Gallery of Photography, incredible riches from the history of photography that defy any easy categorization are crowded together. Both Stieglitz and Witkin are present, accompanied by Edward Steichen, Dorothea Lange, André Kertész, Helmut Newton and many other masters. Many of these pictures we have seen time and again in different publications, but it is an entirely new sensation to encounter them in the vulnerability of the original print with all its nuances, sometimes imperfections and graininess…. The photographs belong to the collection of Yosef Wosk, Director of Interdisciplinary Programs at SFU and inventor of the Philosophers’ Café. It takes someone of immense patience, intuition and capacity for reflection to assemble this kind of collection and I am so glad that Yosef Wosk did it.” Online newspaper The Tyee. (March 10, 2006)
• A Round Table discussion on “The Future of Photography” — Participants included: Ron Burnett, president of the Emily Carr Institute; Prof. Paul Delaney, author of Bill Brandt—A Life in Photography; Alex Waterhouse-Hayward, photographer / educator; Jeff Gin, camera equipment specialist; Ian McGuffie, curator of Exposure Gallery; Bob Evermon, photographer / educator; and Yosef Wosk, photography collector and director of Interdisciplinary Programs at SFU and creator of the Philosophers’ Café.” Program was at the Vancouver Gallery of Photography. Goddess spiral, a blog on Flickr that credits the BC Arts Alliance website for this information. (March 2, 2006)
• Pop-and-drag (Photo lesson #2) by Lara Photoer. Excerpt: “Amazing stuff! Photographs I’ve only seen in books and not in person. This is at the Vancouver Gallery of Photography…. Photographers like: Dorothea Lange, Edward Steichen, Man Ray, Herb Ritts, you get the idea. What impressed me is that these are a private collection from a Vancouverite! (Thank you, Yosef Wosk!).” A blog Greysquare Photographic, Creating Beauty on Film. (March 2006)
• The Independent Scholar: News from NCIS — A number of items in this issue: Article by Yosef under News from our Affiliates, “The Canadian Academy of Independent Scholars” [p. 6], notes that Yosef is a member of the Communications and Media Committee; announcement of Yosef as the first Life Member of NCIS; Yosef’s call for papers to be published in the proposed annual journal, The International Journal of Independent Scholars / Journal international des chercheurs indépendants [p. 33]; Yosef’s letter regarding NCIS and commitment to multiple donations including: Annual Research Grants, support for website and logo development, and seed money for ongoing development of the NCIS Journal of Independent Scholars [p. 30]. Articles in Vol. 20, No. 4 of The Independent Scholar: The Newsletter of the National Coalition of Independent Scholars. (Winter 2006)

— 2005 —

• “Philosophers’ Cafes serving up food for thought: Academics lead extraordinary discussions in ordinary settings, adding meaning to life” by Deborah Jones. Select quote: “About 5,000 people turn out each year for dozens of philosophers’ cafés in Vancouver-area pubs, bistros, community centres or book shops, where they debate questions such as, What is ‘normal’? Does advertising make us crazy? What will primary education be like in the near-future? What’s fair in wars with terrorists?… Dr. Wosk says that Vancouver now has the world’s largest network of philosophers’ cafes, but acknowledges they may not work everywhere.” Section S, Globe British Columbia, pp. 1 – 2, Globe and Mail.  (December 24, 2005)
• “The perennial generosity of Dr. Yosef Wosk has this year extended to offering to contribute to the funding of three projects. One is the creation of the Robert Reid Award and Medal, given on an occasional basis to recognize lifetime achievement for extraordinary contributions to the book arts in Canada…. Dr. Wosk will also assist with the development of a heraldic crest…. He also offered to fund the production of nine woodcuts [by artists such as Michael Kluckner, Shinsuke Minegishi, Gary Sim, and Jim Westergard], each an imagined printer’s mark, which Barbarian Press will print for future editions of Amphora.” Chairman’s Update (Howard Greaves), p. 83, No. 140 & 141; theme issue celebrating 40 years of the Alcuin Society, Amphora.  (September/December 2005)
• “Empowering Abilities: Enabling Independence—Celebrating Success,” discussing JFSA’s VIP (Very Special Partners) Special Needs Programs; a number of comments referring to “local community-builder and educator, Rabbi Yosef Wosk” including the moral recognition and financial support he has given to the program. P. 4, Mishpacha, Jewish Family Service Agency Newsletter. (Fall 2005)
• 75^th Anniversary Issue; extended greetings/blessing to the publishers and editors “in the tradition of the Scribes of Israel,” The Jewish Western Bulletin [newspaper serving B.C. since 1930]. (July 14, 2005)
• “The Alcuin Society 2004 Awards for Excellence in Book Design in Canada: Prix pour l’excellence de la conception graphique du livre au Canada conférés par la Société Alcuin, 2004,” first bilingual catalogue. [“As well as helping us financially over a period of eight years, Dr. Wosk has, with enthusiasm, wisdom, and specific clear advice, helped us to increase the awards from the relatively modest undertaking they once were to the national competition they are today.”], p. 44. (June 2005 and repeated every year until the present)
• “Books for the Beach: A selection of book-loving Vancouverites give their reading recommendations for the long days of summer,” front page article by Pat Johnson; YW was one of people interviewed; photo by Dan Toulgoet. Vol. 96, No. 50, pp. 6 – 7, The Vancouver Courier [established 1908]. (June 22, 2005)
• “Leaders of the Conversation Café Movement in North America gather in New York.” Photo and article, Philosophers’ Café tabloid [11,000 copies] and website. (Spring/Summer 2005)
• “Wosk plants seeds of public access,” by Peter Clough [“(Architect Moshe) Safdie and the garden’s designer, Cornelia Oberlander, are backing Wosk’s campaign to turn the rooftop into one of the most spectacular spaces in the city…. His vision? A garden with a literary theme, benches, waterfall—and the amphitheatre that was part of the original plan.”], with colour aerial photo of the roof garden. “Unwind, Sunday Magazine,” p. B2, The Province. (June 19, 2005)
• “A garden on top of the library” feature article by Mike Howell. “A public garden for library roof?” “As he stands atop the roof of the Vancouver Public Library, Dr. Yosef Wosk looks over the hockey rink-sized surface and imagines what it could look like if it was open to the public. There would be an amphitheatre in one corner, glass-enclosed reading rooms in another, a recycling waterfall to dampen industrial noise and a ‘literary garden’ to celebrate books with references to, say, roses. Benches would let visitors take in the panoramic view of downtown, and there could be a small café where people could buy lattes and walk along stone pathways. It would also be an ideal spot for concerts and weddings, with spillover crowds using escalators or elevators to reach the two outdoor patios on the floor below…. ‘This is living art, but what a magnificent place this could be if we added to it and opened it for everybody to see… Too often people talk about ‘let them do it, or she will do it,’ and so they don’t get involved. But there comes a time when you are that person, that catalyst.’” Front-page byline with colour photograph by Dan Toulgoet; article p. 9 with another photograph and caption: “Dr. Yosef Wosk hopes to open the roof of the Vancouver Public Library to the public with reading rooms and a garden.” Vol. 96, No. 47, The Vancouver Courier.  (Sunday, June 12, 2005)
• “Fulfilling a family dream: The rebirth of a forest,” full page story of Yosef’s role in development of the Morris J. & Dena Wosk Peace Forest near Jerusalem; The Talmud Torah School’s Annual Spring Carnival News, centre spread of tabloid format, p. 7, with map and two colour photographs. The caption of one read: “Wosk Family representatives—Rabbi Yosef Wosk and his children, Elisheva, Rahel and Avi—unveil the arch that will provide entry into the Morris J. and Dena Wosk Peace Forest in Yitzhak Rabin Park. The 100,000-tree forest was also dedicated by Wosk’s siblings, Miriam, Mordehai and Kenny and their families.” Issue #2 (27 Iyar 5765 / June 5, 2005)
• “Safdie advises museum group: Renowned architect reviews the historical society’s plans for new facility,” front page story, continued on pg. 4, and photograph [of Safdie, Wosk, two other leaders of museum project, and architectural schemata by Richard Henriquez]; article by Pat Johnson. Yosef was described as one “who has been a leading supporter of arts and letters in the Jewish and general Vancouver communities.” The Jewish Western Bulletin. (June 3, 2005)
• “Turning vision into reality,” concerning the 100,000-tree Morris J. & Dena Wosk Peace Forest near Jerusalem, coordinated through the Jewish National Fund; and photograph of Yosef standing under the dedication arch; half back page, Jewish Western Bulletin. (June 3, 2005)
• “BCLA Receives Generous Donation for ‘Libraries Across Borders’ Interest Group,” by Diana Guinn, past-president of the BCLA [“The donation is a catalyst to get some real projects underway and Dr. Wosk is truly an inspiration. His commitment to the arts, education, culture and libraries is unprecedented.”]. Front page with photograph; Vol. 49, No. 7, BCLA [British Columbia Library Association] Reporter. (May 2005)
• “Yosef Wosk: A Man for All Seasons,” featured “Philanthropy” article and photographs by Lauren Kramer. Extract from article: “The first thing that strikes you about Yosef Wosk is his gravity. This is a man who…is deeply passionate about the causes to which he dedicates his time. Educator, philanthropist, scholar, philosopher, art collector and author, he is also a father…. You can’t help but hear the years of scholarship in Wosk’s voice.” Pages 24-27, Volume 33, No. 197, International edition: United States, Canada, South America & Europe— Lifestyles Magazine. (Spring 2005)
• “The Assistance to Libraries Project,” by Shirley Giggey. Excerpt: “The…project…emanates from a request by the scholar, community and religious leader Dr. Yosef Wosk, … Director of Interdisciplinary Programs, Continuing Studies at Simon Fraser University, and the founder of the largest series of café discussion gatherings in the world, The Philosophers’ Café. He is also a holder of the Order of British Columbia, and has contributed to communities in BC, Canada and internationally in many ways as a philanthropist and as a member of many boards and commissions for libraries, urban and mental health rights.” Also mentioned in Michael’s Matters column by Michael Burris, executive director of the British Columbia Library Association [“Partnerships such as these are tremendous validation of the work BCLA does, and a terrific benefit to library users across the province”]. Front page, Vol. 49, No. 6, BCLA Reporter. (April 2005)
• “CMA announces new bursaries for our Annual Conference.” Sponsored by Yosef “whose goal is to assist staff from smaller institutions in attending this important annual event. … Dr. Wosk has also supported the dissemination of the publication Guidelines: Roles and Responsibilities of Museum Boards of Trustees which was recently updated and distributed [to every member museum and gallery in Canada]. … The CMA strongly encourages museums to adopt these ethical guidelines.” In printed literature as well as on the web; The Canadian Museums Association, Advocacy Alert. (2005)
• “Magazine chooses intellectual leaders,” regarding Vancouver Magazine’s search for “the city’s leading public intellectuals: “The first place they looked was…the Philosophers’ Café…and spoke to Yosef Wosk…mastermind behind the program…. Launched in 1998, the cafés have attracted 30,000 participants to a wide variety of locations from Penticton to Vancouver Island and West Vancouver to White Rock.” Other SFU faculty are also mentioned in the article. P. 7, Simon Fraser University News. (January 27 – February 9, 2005)
• “Yosef Wosk…not only a recognized community leader, scholar, art collector, philanthropist, educator and rabbi, but also a serious bibliophile.” (February 4, 2005)
• “Museum opens in 2005: Jewish history in B.C. focus of coming attraction,” front-page article by Pat Johnson, The Jewish Western Bulletin.  (January 7, 2005)

— 2004 —

• Rebel Brain and Public Intellectual.

Vancouver Magazine identified Yosef as one of Vancouver’s twenty-six “Rebel Brains and Public Intellectuals”. The question asked was: “Are we too pretty to be smart? Looking for public intellectuals who haven’t been distracted by the view and the lifestyle here in the world’s largest outdoor spa.” And then it went on a…hunt to identify the city’s leading public intellectuals. “The first place they looked last summer was under the dark green Philosophers’ Café umbrella on the beach at Ambleside and spoke to Yosef Wosk….” In conclusion, the magazine identified him as someone who “cultivates Vancouver’s intellectual discourse like a diligent gardener”. Article by Chris Tenove with reporting by Heather Neale; pp. 66 – 80, Vancouver Magazine.  (November 2004)

• “The Lure of the World’s Fair: Chinese Puzzle,” regarding architect Bing Thom’s submission to design the Shanghai 2010 World’s Fair. [YW is referred to as “one of Vancouver’s most imaginative but low-key philanthropists”, who, unsolicited, contacted Thom with an offer to assist his firm with funding to proceed with the project]. Article by Trevor Boddy; pp. 20 – 30, BC Business Magazine (November 2004)
• “Mishpahat Vosk M’vakeret B’Ashkelon,” Ashkelon, Israel, (November 2004)
• “Independent Scholars help build a ‘civic culture of learning’,” concerning the biennial conference of the National Coalition of Independent Scholars in New York. Some excerpts include: “The Philosophers’ Café was founded by Dr. Yosef Wosk, Director of the Interdisciplinary programs at Simon Fraser University at Harbour Center, Vancouver, B.C. He is looking to form an Independent Scholar’s Press and invites inquiries and support…. Freed of the politics, constraints and egos of university life, here is a group of people whose careers rest on foundations loaded with Ph.D.s and achievement, whose optimism and easy sharing of interests and enthusiasm drive their willingness to risk the uncertainly of independence to bring what they have learned and discovered to whatever broad or specialized audience they can reach—perhaps part of the vanguard of those who will renew ‘the civic culture of learning.’” Article by Eugene G. Schwartz, Editor at Large, ForeWord Magazine [reviews of good books independently published]. (October 20, 2004)
• “Torat Hayim’s new Torah” dedication. Yosef assisted with donation and advice; attended the North Vancouver dedication ceremony. Article and photograph, p. 12; Jewish Western Bulletin. (October 15, 2004)
• “VHA welcomes high tech: Wosk helps school stock library with new computers,” article and photograph by Cynthia Ramsay. From article: “In his short address, Wosk stressed the library aspect of the dedication. He talked about the idea that in a library, there is a need for quiet—we are shushed if we speak too loudly. He made a parallel of this to the silence that existed before the world was spoken into creation (‘Let there be light’). He discussed the power of words and the fact that, in a library, you can have a conversation with all of the authors of all of the books, absorbing the words and thoughts of ‘thousands of people over thousands of years’.” P. 16, The Jewish Western Bulletin.  (October 1, 2004)
• “VPL Foundation Special Funds—Building a solid future for people & libraries: The Yosef Wosk Judaic Fund.” [Yosef described as “renowned community leader, philanthropist, bibliophile.”] Check it Out!, Magazine of The Vancouver Public Library. (Fall 2004)
• “Yosef Wosk Research Grants Announced,” Northwest Independent Scholars Association, constituent member of The National Coalition of Independent Scholars. The Independent Scholar, Newsletter of The National Coalition of Independent Scholars  (2004)
• “Jewish Family Service Agency 2004 Annual General Meeting.” A report on the evening included the following: “In accepting the Community Service Award on behalf of the Waldman Library, Rabbi Yosef Wosk made the wonderful announcement that he personally would be giving $10,000 to JFSA’s special needs programs—a fitting close to an evening about the blanket of community support.” Mishpacha, publication of the Jewish Family Service Agency. (Fall 2004)
• “Fox40 emergency whistle,” 1500 high decibel security whistles contributed by Yosef were distributed to Simon Fraser University students to increase safety at Harbour Centre, Surrey and Burnaby campuses. Vol. 31, No.6, Simon Fraser University News & website. (September 9, 2004)
• Recognized as a Friend of the Foundation, first Lifelong Friend and Founding Pillar. Old News: The Vancouver Heritage Foundation Newsletter. (September 2004)
• “The Yosef Wosk Awards” announced on website and in printed media for The Cultural Resource Management Program, University of Victoria.  (August 2004)
• “Breaking News: The Pacific Torah Institute [the first Yeshiva in the Pacific Northwest] has just finished its first and highly successful year!” The notice read: “At the Yeshiva’s (which is a Chofetz Chaim affiliate)…Founders Dinner, the official naming of the Yeshiva took place. Rabbi Yosef Wosk had the great privilege and honour of naming the facility after his late father, Morris Wosk, of blessed memory. The new name will be Tiferes Moshe Aaron…”. breslov.com/vancouver. (2004)
• “Yosef Wosk…an ordained rabbi with doctorates in religion, literature, psychology. Now Yosef adds to his collection an honorary doctor of letters degree from the Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design, recognizing his “many community contributions.” Over the past three years, Yosef’s donated a $1 million collection of original prints for use by Emily Carr students and faculty….” Jewish Western Bulletin. (July 9, 2004)
• “Yeshiva hosts its first: The school honors founders and unveils new name.” Quote: “At this year’s dinner, the school will honor those who made the first year possible. Titled ‘The Founders Dinner’, there will be special presentations made…Even more significant is that the school will use the event to unveil their new name, in honour of the late Morris J. Wosk. Wosk’s son, Rabbi Yosef Wosk, whose son Avi is a Grade 8 student at the yeshivah, made a significant donation to the school in his father’s honor.” Feature article by Kyle Berger, p. 5, Education section of The Jewish Bulletin. (June 11, 2004)
• “Wosk granted honorary degree.” Short quote from the article: “The honour recognizes his many community contributions in the areas of education, heritage conservation, arts and religion, libraries and museums.” Page 6, Simon Fraser University News.  (June 10, 2004)
• “President’s Message,” vol. 9, no. 4, The Chronicle, newsletter of The Jewish Historical Society of British Columbia. (Spring 2004)
• “Mosaics Honour Heroine: Artist Lilian Broca’s Queen Esther Series is Stunning”’ by Cynthia Ramsay. With photo of Lilian and Yosef, who offered introductory remarks at the launch. Fine Arts section, feature article, p. 2, The Jewish Western Bulletin. (April 30, 2004)
• “Lilian Broca finds new subject, new medium,” Arts & Life section, page C3, The Vancouver Sun. (April 26, 2004)
• Numerous references on Emily Carr University of Art, Design + Media website.
• “The Wosk Collection,” p. 5, Visions, Emily Carr Institute of Art + Design. (Spring 2004)
• “2004 Honorary Doctor of Letters Recipients”. “The Board of Governors of Emily Carr Institute is pleased to announce that the 2004 Honorary Doctor of Letters Degrees will be awarded to: Vera Frankel, multidisciplinary artist; Jim Hart, First Nations artist; Michael Snow, visual artist; Yosef Wosk, educator and philanthropist.” Advertisement, with photographs, sponsored by Emily Carr Institute of Art, Design + Media; p. R9, Review and Arts Section, The Globe and Mail. (March 27, 2004)
• “Libraries Across Borders — Assistance to Libraries Project,” by Shirley E. Giggey, British Columbia Council for International Cooperation, on council’s website. (March 1, 2004)
• “Dr. Yosef Wosk donates million dollar teaching print collection”. Selected quote: “‘This teaching collection will enable students to engage a series of original works, inspired by some of the best printmakers working over a period of almost five hundred years,’ said Dr. Wosk. In making this donation, he noted that Emily Carr ‘has become a symbol of the future of art development, both within our province and beyond our borders. It is a home, a hearth to many; a sanctuary where creativity reigns. One of the main pursuits of this collection is to overcome the lacuna between what a student might perceive from viewing instructional art from reproductions in books or slide projections, compared to the visceral, tactile, and multisensory experience of a direct encounter with authentic examples of the genre.’” Media Releases, Emily Carr Institute of Art, Design + Media. (February 25, 2004)
• “Support group moves on: Schara Tzedeck cemetery board apologizes for error,” by Kyle Berger, front-page article, The Jewish Western Bulletin. (February 6, 2004)
• “Chagall art at the Vancouver Art Gallery,” front-page article, The Jewish Western Bulletin. (January 16, 2004)
• “The Wosk Collection: A Teaching Print Collection for Emily Carr Institute,” The article, accompanied by a full-page illustration of one of the prints by Paul Cézanne, reads in part: “Dr. Yosef Wosk has established a teaching collection of two-dimensional original art for the Institute that is largely print-based but which includes several original drawings. Dr. Wosk has made a significant donation of prints to the collection each year for the past two years. The collection is currently valued at $633,000. It is housed in our Printmaking department at our Granville Island campus. The collection includes works by Cézanne, Renoir, Riopelle, Cocteau, Chagall, Picasso, Baskin, Manet, Dine, Miro, Warhol, Goya, Rauschenberg, and many other artists. The collection also includes an etching done in 1642 by Rembrandt van Rijn. The collection numbers over 450 artworks.” Pages 64-65, Watch This Space, an extensive colour catalogue featuring programs, resources and highlights of The Emily Carr Institute of Art + Design. (2003-04)

— 2003 —

• “Jewish Festival of Light also celebrates freedom and learning” by Douglas Todd, front page feature in Westcoast News section, The Vancouver Sun. (December 19, 2003)
• “Yosef Wosk: A man of many parts,” introduction to CBC radio interview with Bill Richardson, especially concerning major art donations to The Emily Carr Institute of Art + Design. Selected quotes include: “Yosef Wosk is a man of many parts. He is a scholar, an ordained rabbi, the founder of the Philosophers’ Café program in Vancouver and the director of Interdisciplinary Programs at Simon Fraser University. He is also a member of a wealthy and generous Vancouver family. His father was Morris Wosk who built a business empire…. That has given Yosef the means to collect art, (including) rare and important pieces, particularly fine arts prints. Now he’s given a large part of his personal collection—about a million dollars worth—to the Emily Carr Institute of Art + Design to allow faculty and students to actually examine, close up, prints by the likes of Rembrandt, Goya, Picasso, Andy Warhol and many other key artists of the past several centuries.” CBC Radio. (December [12] 18, 2003)
• “Hooked on learning: Baby boomers are fuelling a huge demand for personal-interest programs. Post-secondary schools are proving they’re up to the challenge.” Special interest supplement on Continuing Education, cover article and photograph (by Shamina Senaratne) featuring “The Philosophers’ Café” which was described as “what might be the most successful continuing ed program in the country.” “What I wanted to do was take a step back to personal, face-to-face communication,” explains Yosef Wosk, the multidisciplinary SFU academic who founded the program. “It’s a slowing down, it’s a type of oasis, a type of Sabbath.” The Globe and Mail [Canada’s National Newspaper] (October 27, 2003)
• Extensively quoted/referenced [pp. 213 – 214] in “Mental Fitness for Life: 7 Steps to Healthy Aging,” by Sandra Cusack and Wendy Thompson; Key Porter Books, Toronto. (2003)
• “Launch of the Founding Pillars Endowment Campaign,” front page article and photograph, listed as one of the first two Founding Pillars of Vancouver Heritage, Old News: The Vancouver Heritage Foundation Newsletter. (September 2003)
• “The opening of the Dr. Irving and Phyliss Snider Campus for Jewish Seniors and the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg (of Baltimore) Residence,” article and photographs of Yosef with Mayor Philip Owen and Iona Campagnolo, the Lieutenant Governor of B.C. Mi’dor L’dor—From Generation to Generation [newsletter of the Snider Campus for Jewish Seniors, Louis Brier Home & Hospital]. (Aug. 2003)
• “Okanagan Jewish Community Hosts Rabbi Yosef Wosk,” plus other articles and photographs, Chadashot, Jewish National Fund of Canada, Pacific Region. (August/September 2003)
• “Art works in Vancouver hospital; Patients, visitors and staff benefit from an idea that came from Los Angeles,” by Katharine Hamer. Jewish Western Bulletin (June 6, 2003)
• “An Okanagan Jewish Community special evening; Rabbi gives lecture and JNF emissary says goodbye; Topics ranged from 4,000 years of anti-Semitism to the various aspects of assimilation,” The Jewish Western Bulletin. (May 23, 2003)
• “OJC Program,” article and photograph, “Okanagan Jewish Community present Rabbi Yosef Wosk with a commemorative gift.” The Canadian Jewish News, (May 15, 2003)
• “How Canadians are losing religion: Religious observance and the census,” interviewed by Lorraine Anthony. Variations on the article were also published as “Some 20,000 Canadians worship at the altar of Yoda” and “Growing number of Canadians losing their religion”. com News, national news agency The Canadian Press (May 13, 2003)
• “New campus celebrates life” [dedication of the Weinberg Residence for assisted seniors living in association with the Louis Brier Home and Hospital], front page photograph and article by Kyle Berger, The Jewish Western Bulletin. (May 9, 2003)
• “400 years of art history—in print: Visual Arts / A collection of study prints reaches from the 16^th Century to the 20^th / Masterwork Prints: Selections from the Wosk Print Collection / Art is precious and rare,” by Michael Harris, front page story and photographs, Arts & Life section, The Vancouver Sun. (April 21, 2003)
• “Passages: …Wosk donated 439 rare art prints to the Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design,” Maclean’s [Canada’s National Weekly Magazine]. (April 14, 2003)
• “Surveying Masters, and Misters: Wosk collection goes from Japanese woodblock prints to pop art; Visual Art, Selections from the Wosk Masterworks Print Collection: A new exhibition at the Charles H. Scott Gallery draws our attention to another important donation. Titled ‘Selections From the Wosk Masterworks Print Collection’, the show displays 55 of more than 400 historical and modern etchings, engravings, lithographs, serigraphs, woodcuts, photogravures, and drawings recently given to the Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design by Vancouver rabbi and university professor Yosef Wosk.” Written by Robin Laurence, The Georgia Straight. (April 10-17, 2003)
• “Wosk donates art to Emily Carr: Original works allow students to get a sense of the colors and textures,” Arts & Literature, The Jewish Western Bulletin. (April 11, 2003)
• “Selections from the Wosk Masterworks Print Collection,” catalogue of articles, illustrations & list of works for exhibit at the Charles Scott Gallery, Emily Carr Institute of Art + Design. (April 2003)
• Active association — Yosef, who served as rabbi for the community, was mentioned in a number of communiqués including Chai Times, newsletter of the Burquest Jewish Community Association, Coquitlam, B.C. (April 2003)
• Mentioned numerous times in “Eye About Town” or “Town Talk” by Malcolm Parry, social columnist for The Vancouver Sun (November 17, 1994; May 27[?], 1995; March 5, 2002; April 16, 2002); and regarding honorary chair of JNF Negev Dinner and making “a family donation that will add 100,000 trees to Israel’s forests.” (April 8, 2003)
• “Vancouver philanthropist donates rare art to school,” Paul Grant, The Arts Report, CBC Radio Art News. (April 4, 2003)
• “Emily Carr hosts prints,” The Jewish Western Bulletin. (April 4, 2003)
• “The best 17^th-century Byzantine artist we have,” by Dan Murphy, The Province. (March 16, 2003)
• “Wosk, Davies awarded Jubilee medals,” Simon Fraser University News. (March 6, 2003)
• “Business ethics needed” [featuring Philosophers’ Café with guest Mark Wexler], by Kate Brodsky, front page story, The Jewish Western Bulletin. (February 7, 2003)
• “Support group seeks answers; wants the cemetery board to be accountable for mistakes,” extensively quoted including: “Yosef Wosk … said he has also had problems trying to get answers from the cemetery board. ‘I think [those negatively affected by board negligence] are brave individuals to follow this up. It’s in the best interests of Jewish and human tradition to stand up.… Wosk said he knows that publishing his comments in the Bulletin might upset some of the cemetery board members that he has known personally for many years. However, he explained, this was not an issue on which he wanted to be silent. ‘When I find that I’ve sincerely done my best and when I find that so many other people have been negatively affected, then I feel that it is of no benefit to the community to remain quiet,’ he said. ‘There are times for silence and working behind the scenes. But at a certain point, silence makes us guilty by association.’” Article by Kyle Berger; front-page story, The Jewish Western Bulletin. (January 3, 2003)

— 2002 —

• “Where Christmas still lives: ‘Tis the season to be inclusive,” by Amy O’Brian; front-page feature, pp. A1 – A2, The Vancouver Sun.  (December 21, 2002)
• “Suffering academics urged to seek independence,” by Tom Koch, Simon Fraser University News. (October 17, 2002)
• “Wosk named to Order of B.C.” The news clipping reads in part: “Yosef Wosk, the continuing studies program director who developed and launched the popular Philosophers’ Café program, was recently named to the Order of British Columbia. The lieutenant governor’s citation, in addition to noting Wosk’s philanthropy and volunteer contributions, specifically mentioned the unique opportunity the Philosophers’ Cafes offer for public discussion of many questions. The program is now considered to be the largest series of café discussion gatherings in the world.” Simon Fraser University News (October 17, 2002)
• “The proud, odd eggheads: The road on the journey to becoming an independent scholar,” by Paula Brook, p. D6, The Vancouver Sun. (October 12, 2002)
• “Emily Carr Institute Establishes Teaching Print Collection.” The article featuring Yosef’s donation begins: “The Emily Carr Institute received a significant contribution of prints from Dr. Yosef Wosk. This extraordinary donation is valued at over $327,000. The collection includes works by Cézanne, Renoir, Riopelle, Cocteau, Chagall, Picasso, Manet, Miro, Warhol, Goya, Rauschenberg, and many other artists…including an etching done in 1642 by Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn. The total number of images is well over four hundred works. ‘This teaching collection will enable students to engage a series of original works, inspired by some of the best printmakers working over a period of almost five hundred years,’ said Dr. Wosk.” Vol. 1, No. 1., inFuse (Emily Carr Institute of Art + Design external magazine). (Fall 2002)
• “Images from a Vanished World or Two.” Selections from the extensive article: “‘It is interesting that the word in Hebrew for art and the word for belief is very similar. It is the same root word. Because when you live a fully functioning, beautiful, spiritual life, then life becomes art,’ remarked Rabbi Yosef Wosk to an appreciative audience. Textured Images: Vintage Photographs and Picture Carpets from a Vanished Jewish World or Two, is a selection from his impressive Judaic art collection currently on display at the Sidney and Gertrude Zack Gallery. Photographs and hand-woven carpets are the two main elements of the exhibit. The photographs of five master photographers—Roman Vishniac (1897-1990), Felix Bonfils (1829-1886), Ephraim Moshe Lilien (1874-1925), Shlomo Narinsky (1885-1960), and Nachum Tim Gidal (1909-1996)—are featured.” Article by Michael Hunter; p. 5, Vol. 4, No. 15, The Source: Forum of Diversity. (August 9, 2002)
• “Biblical Heritage,” front-page colour photograph of picture carpet and information about the “Textured Images” exhibit, BC Christian News. (August 2002)
• “Justice, Funding & Endowments” article by Chris Tyrell, editor. Excerpt: “…The actions of this mother put her in a pantheon of local heroes with several other individuals whose commitment to community and generosity of spirit make them inspirational leaders. Some of the greatest members of my personal pantheon of local leaders are Emily Carr, Jack and Doris Shadbolt, Tony Emery, Terry Fox, Bill Millerd and Dr. Yosef Wosk.” Issue No. 165, The Opus Visual Arts Newsletter. (June 27 – July 31, 2002)
• “Assembling your own museum: panellists offer advice on protecting and appraising your works of art,” by Pat Johnson, feature article in “Fine Arts,” The Jewish Western Bulletin. (July 12, 2002)
• “Reading between the bullets; taking literacy where it’s needed most.” The article featured the work of Roslyn Ellison, with Wosk’s support, in the Jamaican ghetto of Trenchtown; also introduced library initiatives in Ghana, among Australian aboriginals and in Jerusalem. Yosef described as “a leading light of Simon Fraser University’s continuing-studies division and the man who kick-started the Lower Mainland’s Philosophers’ Cafe evenings, is a lifelong friend who supports her cause.” Article by Rebecca Wigod, photo by Glenn Baglo; The Vancouver Sun. (June 29, 2002)
• “Images of a lost world: Exhibit from Wosk collection on view at Zack Gallery” by Pat Johnson, who wrote (in part): “For Rabbi Yosef Wosk, collecting art is a responsibility as well as a privilege. Wosk spoke of his commitment to collecting at the opening of a remarkable new exhibit of artifacts from his personal collection. The exhibit, titled Textured Images: Vintage Photographs & Picture Carpets from a Vanished Jewish World or Two, opened June 20 at the Sidney and Gertrude Zack Gallery…The exhibit includes a large number of extremely rare photographs by some of the most noted early photographers.” Feature article, p. 6, in “The Arts”; The Jewish Western Bulletin. (June 28, 2002)
• “25 Power Thinkers,” included as one of the province’s “best and brightest, most thoughtful citizens and top thinkers” [“Wosk has identified an intellectual hunger among us….We are witnessing nothing less than the evolution of the species. This is a time where the East meets the West, and resulting integration brings both confusion and the good. Yosef Wosk thinks big, and he’s getting to be a household name because of it.”]. Article by Karin Konstantynowicz begins on p. 15; YW on 27 with photograph; C. Business Magazine. (June 2002)
• “Newly renovated mikvah now ready,” by Keren Ship, Jewish Western Bulletin. (May 10, 2002)
• “Is God in Charge?” Chalmers Institute-sponsored panel including Dean Peter Elliot of Christ Church Anglican Cathedral [Vancouver]; Douglas Todd, religion writer for The Vancouver Sun; and Rabbi Yosef Wosk, Director of Interdisciplinary Programs in Continuing Studies at SFU. Vancouver School of Theology News. (May 6, 2002)
• “Supporting Israel for 101 years” by Cynthia Ramsay. A detailed article reporting on the JNF Negev Dinner including: “Approximately 450 came together to celebrate 101 years of the JNF, to honor Rabbi Dr. Yosef Wosk, to pay tribute to the late Morris Wosk and to thank JNF supporters.” Emcee was Jack Blaney who “spoke of Yosef as ‘one of the gentlest, kindest persons you’ll ever meet.’ He outlined some of Yosef Wosk’s accomplishments, including the popular Philosophers’ Cafe, his donation of more than 1,000 trees in Israel for students in local Jewish schools and his initiative to twin the Fraser and Jordan Rivers.” Other presenters included Mayor Philip Owen; Jerusalem Emissary Ran Bagg; Israel Ambassador to Canada, Haim Divon; National President of the JNF, Sandra Posluns; past president, Naomi Frankenburg; the Hon. Grace McCarthy; former lieutenant governor of B.C., Garde Gardom who called Wosk “truly a remarkable man”; and keynote speaker, Prof. Irwin Cotler, MP. The Jewish Western Bulletin.  (April 19, 2002)
• “Dreams and Generations of the Altneuland” [taped video presentation]

Speech to 400 attendees at the JNF (Jewish National Fund) Negev Dinner. I was the honoree but did not attend because my father, Morris J. Wosk, a”h, passed away a few days previously and I was observing shiva, the seven days of mourning in Jewish tradition. Available on DVD; printed event program. Four Seasons Hotel, downtown Vancouver.  (April 14, 2002)

• “Yosef Wosk unveils his projects to local students: Branching out to kids,” by Kyle Berger, Jewish Western Bulletin. (March 29, 2002)
• “Vancouver Jews seek happiness amid hurt: Passover celebration has taken on ‘special meaning this year,’” article by Douglas Todd including quote: “The rabbi says he’ll also be pondering what it means to be happy in the midst of escalating military conflict. “Happiness is a serious word. It’s a spiritual word. It’s not a hedonistic concept. It’s not about pleasure or ease. It’s a mature word. It’s about being thankful for life and creation and about avoiding falling into despair in times of persecution.” With colour photograph by Mark van Manen of Yosef and his children around festive holiday table; The Vancouver Sun. (March 28, 2002)
• “Update: The Wosk Masterworks Collection,” Vol. 1, Issue 1, Visions: The Emily Carr Newsletter. (March 22, 2002)
• “A day of mitzvot and laughter: Students of Talmud Torah high school have fun helping the community,” by Cynthia Ramsay, The Jewish Western Bulletin. (March 22, 2002)
• “Philosophers’ Café comes to Melbourne,” some text includes: “‘A society under stress from unrelenting rapid change—the dark side of instant global access—needs a human connection,’ says Canadian scholar Dr. Yosef Wosk…. The cafes—‘anchored in traditional knowledge and providing for the stimulating exchange of ideas with mature thinkers’—have become a global phenomenon as people from eclectic social and academic backgrounds gather to discuss philosophical quandaries. ‘Philosopher’s Café recognises our need for personal contact through a revitalised art of conversation in a direct intellectual encounter,’ says Dr. Wosk. ‘All this in a most unlikely setting: not the academy, but the bar.’ Dr. Wosk, a noted storyteller, will speak at three events in Melbourne in two weeks’ time. He was in Sydney last week before flying to Uluru where he met with Aboriginal elders to learn about their storytelling….” Article by Brandon Cohen, photograph by Lorne Bridgman; Melbourne edition of The Australian Jewish News. (March 6, 2002)
• Featured “Best Lecture,” Metropolitan section, weekend edition, The Sydney Morning Herald, Sydney, Australia. (March 2-3, 2002)
• Featured lecture in “Critic’s Picks,” Metro (weekly entertainment section), The Sydney Morning Herald, Sydney, Australia. (March 1-7, 2002)
• “A conversation whose time has come,” Sydney edition of The Australian Jewish News. (Feb. 22, 2002)
• “Are Philosophers’ Cafés Fast Food for Thought?” feature article and critique by Adriana Barton, The Georgia Straight. (February 21-28, 2002)
• “Temple treasures on display”, article regarding Temple Treasures: The Beauty of Holiness in Special Collections of the Vancouver Public Library, featuring items on loan from the Yosef Wosk Judaica Collection. 21, No. 2, BC Christian News. (February 2002)
• “Cranking up ‘Great Conversation,’” by Dan Murphy in his column The opening statement reads: “Soon after you meet Yosef Wosk (who’ll be played by Ian Holm in the movie version), you get the feeling that if we ever misplaced civilization, we could start it up again with him.” The Province. (January 13, 2002)
• “Wosk library dedication,” Jewish Western Bulletin. (January 11, 2002)
• “The Order of B.C. granted membership to Yosef Wosk,” one of the featured highlights in “Year in Review” which prefaced the article: “SFU continues to strive for innovation and excellence. In this edition we review the major milestones of 2001.” Simon Fraser News (January 10, 2002)
• “JNF honors Yosef Wosk,” JWB (January 4, 2002)

— 2001 —

• “A sincere thank you, blessings & a prayer of Shalom for the New Year. An Appreciation and the Story of an Extraordinary Event”. A description of Yosef receiving the Order of British Columbia in Victoria, B.C., including his response to the government and people of the province. Jewish Western Bulletin. (September 21, 2001)
• “A remarkable collection of Judaica,” one of the featured highlights in the Jewish Western Bulletin’s “Year in Review”. (September 14, 2001)
• “Waxing philosophy on the beach,” about Philosophers’ Cafés on Ambleside Beach, organized by Yosef and moderated by Peter Raabe. Issues & Experts (outreach to the media), Simon Fraser University. (Week of July 9 – 16, 2001)
• “Order of British Columbia Biography for Yosef Wosk,” Government of British Columbia website
• “Wosk has it all in Order,” article and photograph receiving the Order of British Columbia from Premier Gordon Campbell, p. 2, Jewish Western Bulletin. (June 29, 2001)
• “Wosk granted Order of B.C., Philanthropic teacher-rabbi Yosef Wosk receives province’s top honor.” Selected quotes: “Yosef Wosk, the local renaissance rabbi, has been appointed to the Order of British Columbia…. The award recognizes a long list of community achievements, including a commitment to libraries, museums and education. In his career, Wosk has taught at all levels, from preschool to post-graduate studies. His academic career includes two doctorates, two master’s degrees and two undergraduate degrees. He is a prolific publisher of papers, a media commentator and a patron of the arts. Wosk was selected by the Vancouver Sun last year as one of British Columbia’s Top Ten Thinkers.” Front-page feature, Jewish Western Bulletin.  (May 25, 2001)
• “Awards in order for B.C.’s best, brightest,” front-page feature and pg. A8, “Order of B.C. winners focus on the future,” The Vancouver Sun. (May 15, 2001)
• “‘Unifier,’ a word to describe Yosef Wosk. Unified Vancouver’s thinkers with his Philosophers’ Café. Yosef now unifies British Columbia’s lovers of rare books and special collections to work conjointly towards publishing an annotated rare volumes book with lots of photos. As well, unifier Yosef, working with various collectors hopes to put together a rare books exhibit at the Vancouver Museum gathered from the archives of B.C. individuals and institutions, including UBC, Simon Fraser University and the Alcuin Society. Tell me Yosef, as a unifier, what can you do for the Middle East?” “Menschenings” by Alex Kliner, social columnist for The Jewish Western Bulletin. (April 2001)
• Who Dares Wins: An inspirational collection of stories about those who succeeded by daring to live by Peter Legge, Yosef is extensively quoted [pp. 148 – 152]. Eaglet Publishing, (2001)
• “’We’re bursting our seams,’ says Philosophers’ Café founder Yosef Wosk. Maple Ridge and Bowen Island now host cafes. For September there’s interest in Nanaimo, Ucluelet, Gibsons, Squamish, Prince George, Pender and Salt Spring Island, Tsawassen, Coquitlam / Port Moody, and Chilliwack. Cafes are slated for Vancouver’s University Women’s Club. There’re seniors cafes. There’re special edition ethnic cafes like the one under way at the Jewish Community Centre of Greater Vancouver. This fall will see cafes for the Russian, French, Philipino (Filipino), and Chinese communities, each in its own language. ‘Bursting,’ you say, Yosef? How about ‘exploding’? ““Menschenings” by Alex Kliner, social columnist for The Jewish Western Bulletin. (c. 2001)
• “Philosophers’ Café: Where talk and thought percolate,” front-page feature, Perspectives [English-Chinese bilingual newspaper]. (January 2001)
• “Artistic journey into the past: Audience crowds downtown library for Rabbi Wosk’s Judaica collection,” front-page photograph by Adam Shafron and article by Pat Johnson, p. 5, Jewish Western Bulletin. (January 26, 2001)
• “Wosk exhibit at library: Some 200 books and artefacts are now on display,” Jewish Western Bulletin. (January 12, 2001)

— 2000 —

• “Treasures from the Old World: Exhibit Opens for Hannukah; Yosef Wosk’s vast collection of Judaica on display [at the Vancouver Public Library],” [final edition of the newspaper ran with a revised headline: “Passion fires new Wosk exhibit: Yosef Wosk’s vast collection of Judaica is on display until Jan. 27”] by John Mackie, colour photograph by Peter Battistoni. Excerpts: “Yosef Wosk has had a life-long passion for collecting. A scion of the Wosk furniture empire, the 51-year-old has travelled extensively in Europe, the Middle East and North America, and amassed an incredible collection of Judaica—literary and historical material relating to Jews or Judaism.” Front page of Lower Mainland section, The Vancouver Sun.  (December 21, 2000)
• “Philosophers’ Café,” by Kyle Berger, The Jewish Western Bulletin. (December 15, 2000)
• “Philosophers’ Café movement flourishes around Vancouver,” also published as “Philosopher’s Cafes spreading beyond Vancouver” by Meg Johnstone. Yosef extensively quoted about the history, spread and ideas behind the conversation café movement. Online com and in print as “A ministry of Christian Information Society”; Vol. 20, No. 11, BC Christian News. (November 2000)
• “Yosef Wosk: On establishing the new café society where everyone can be a philosopher.” Cover photograph by Raymond Lum; photo essay by Lorne Bridgman; feature articles by Yosef Wosk and Louise Clark. aq: The Magazine of Simon Fraser University. (October 2000)
• Wosk family entry on the Jewish Virtual Library, a project of AICE (American-Israeli Cooperative Enterprise) and copyright The Gale Group. jewishvirtuallibrary.org/wosk. (n.d.)
• “Centre for Dialogue open” describing opening ceremonies for the Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue, with photograph of Mayor Philip Owen, Yosef Wosk, Morris Wosk and Lieutenant Governor Garde Gardom.

Excerpts: “Wosk prepared a speech that his son, Rabbi Yosef Wosk, presented. ‘Already, even in its physical characteristics, this building exemplifies dialogue,’ Wosk read. ‘Here is a unique union of a heritage building joined with the ever-emerging future of electronic communications. Here, governments will speak with the people, businesses will interface with pedagogues, scholars will sit as equals with young learners so that, in the midst of dialogue, a deeper appreciation might emerge,’ he continued. The speech took on a solemn tone near the end, when it made reference to Morris Wosk’s wife Dena, who passed away two weeks earlier. ‘Shema Yisrael. These were among the final word that my wife Dena, alehah ha’shalom, heard just moments before she passed away,’ Yosef Wosk said on behalf of his father, ‘Those ancient words, encouraging us to listen, will continue to reverberate here in the midst of these noble circular chambers.’” Article by Kyle Berger, The Jewish Western Bulletin. (September 29, 2000)

• “Who are B.C.’s best thinkers?” The Media Bytes reads: “B.C. scholars are not only becoming more respected around the world, they’re becoming more outspoken. To mark this trend, the Vancouver Sun and a panel of prominent academics came up with a list of B.C.’s top 50 public intellectuals, including a dozen who made the list from SFU. Richard Lipsey, called ‘Canada’s foremost economic guru,’ claims SFU’s highest spot at number six. The others included Philosophers’ Café founder Yosef Wosk (10), criminologist Neil Boyd (12), sinologist Jan Walls (14), ethicist Mark Wexler (16), psychology professor James Ogloff (17), community economic development director Mark Roseland (22), business professor Lindsay Meredith (34), sociologist Heribert Adam (38), English professor George Bowering (41), economist Don Devoretz and psychologist Barry Beyerstein (46).” Simon Fraser University News. (September 21, 2000)
• “Who are B.C.’s biggest thinkers? Meet the top 50: The Best B.C. Thinkers, Our Top 10 list.” Named by an independent panel and editors as one of the Top Ten B.C. Thinkers. “B.C.’s top public intellectuals” by Douglas Todd.

Excerpt: “Our minds ache; our emotions cry out for simple human contact,” says Yosef Wosk. So he began a few years ago to offer the people of Greater Vancouver and Victoria the chance to reach out to each other not through shallow small talk, but through resonating Big Talk. Wosk founded B.C.’s remarkably successful Philosophers’ Café series, in which the public gathers in restaurants and bistros to dig into a wide range of philosophical and social questions, such as—“Should we censor pornography?” “Why doesn’t God just die?” “Is it time for a truce in the war on drugs?” “Why bother with Plato and the boys?” “Does life have any meaning?” At hundreds of Philosophers’ Cafés, tens of thousands of British Columbians have had the opportunity, as Wosk says, to escape from stress and the electronic media and explore some of life’s important questions over salad, coffee and wine. And, best yet, there’s no quiz at the end. Wosk has strived brilliantly to make public intellectuals out of all British Columbians.” Republished on Vancouver Sun columnist Douglas Todd’s blog on March 3, 2011; p. A12, The Vancouver Sun.  (August 25, 2000)

• “Dr. Yosef Wosk—Creativity in Philanthropy.” Quotes from article: “In 1994, Dr. Wosk set up an endowment fund for Emily Carr Institute that benefits many students in financial need every year…and will continue to create bursary money in perpetuity. He has also donated fifteen prints by internationally acclaimed Jewish-American artist Leonard Baskin for use as a teaching aid in the Printmaking Department. Bob Evermon confided that ‘it is hard to be a teacher in Vancouver without having good original art for my students to look at. Your Baskins will be an inspiration to the students of Emily Carr long after we are gone.’…

Throughout the interview I am impressed by Dr. Wosk’s thought provoking insights and his enthusiastic pursuit of knowledge….‘How do you decide where you want to give your support?’ I query. ‘It’s a matter of cultivating your own sensitivities. There are things you want to be involved in, and there are other things that you just feel that you have a responsibility to help out on. There’s charitable giving and there’s educational and cultural enhancement—there are many different levels to giving…. When I give money for a bursary, or donate art for study in classes, I become involved in the creative act. You can be as creative as the students themselves in your giving.’” Photographs of Yosef, portrait and presenting Leonard Baskin prints to Bob Evermon and his third-year printmaking class. [Evermon commented in a letter to Yosef: “Vancouver is a little like the wild west in the arts, like what LA was like 30 years ago. Your presence is like a pure voice in the wind and Emily Carr needs your clear vision.”] Article by Adad; Vol. 6, Issue 3, Visions, Emily Carr Institute of Art + Design. (April 2000)

• “Menus at Philosophers’ Cafés Feature Great Debates”

Article by Rebecca Wigod, colour photograph by Glenn Baglo, with multiple quotes from and about Yosef. “Philosophers’ Cafes feeding a hunger for intelligent discourse: SFU’s Yosef Wosk started a café 18 months ago; now there are eight in the region.” “SFU’s Yosef Wosk is the mastermind behind the eight philosophers’ cafes now running monthly at restaurants, coffeehouses and bookstores across the Lower Mainland. He started the first one in Gastown 18 months ago; since then, they’ve spread from Point Grey to Fort Langley and from North Vancouver to White Rock.” This kind of interest and media coverage is unique for a university continuing studies program. Front-page A1 story: News in Context, The Vancouver Sun.  (February 15, 2000)

— 1990s and earlier —

• “An espresso for your thoughts? Philosophers’ Café offers discussion and delectable around the city”. The headline article with photograph reads in part: “‘Wise people,’ observed the 17^th-century Jewish philosopher Baruch Spinoza, ‘refresh and restore themselves in moderation with pleasant food and drink.’ Add to this a pinch of stimulating philosophical discourse and you’ve got this town’s phenomenally successful Philosophers’ Café. An innovative network of gathering places in and around Vancouver, these Philosophers’ Cafés, as conceived by Rabbi Yosef Wosk, aim to give voice to the area’s diverse communities…. Yosef is consistently creating new ‘comfortable surroundings for vibrant street-level discussions on burning issues of the day’”. “Menschenings” by Alex Kliner, social columnist for The Jewish Western Bulletin. (December 3, 1999)
• Mentioned in chapter “On Learning and Teaching” [p.109] in And the Sea is Never Full: Memoirs by Elie Wiesel; Alfred A. Knopf, A Borzoi Book, New York. (1999)
• “SFU professor spearheads revival of talking cafés,” On CampusNews: University of Saskatchewan. (January 22, 1999)
• “Talking cafés the rage on West Coast,” University Affairs: Canada’s higher education magazine. (January 1999)
• “Arts One 30 years old, and still breaking ground,” by Paul Gallagher. Excerpt: “Yosef Wosk of Continuing Studies at Simon Fraser University has taken the ‘Arts One’ approach off the university campus and into communities around Vancouver. Philosophers’ cafes, now popular again in European cities, provide people of all ages and backgrounds the opportunity to ‘address the basic dimensions of human experience’ in an informal atmosphere of food and drink as well as lively but structured discussion.” Vancouver Sun. (August 20, 1999)
• “Philosophers’ cafés feed adults’ hunger for real conversation: Joy of Conversation guides readers and talkers from Paris salons to the Algonquin Round Table to Vancouver bistros,” by Stan Persky, lead article on the Op-Ed page, Forum, The Vancouver Sun. (Oct. 16, 1998)
• Paragraph-length reference [p. 238], in The Five Books of Miriam: A Woman’s Commentary on the Torah, by Ellen Frankel; P. Putnam’s Sons, New York. (1996)
• “How a holy collection got to the mountaintop.” Excerpts: “‘There is much that we could be discussing today: Stress and budgets, wars and crime, fractured societies and damaged ecologies. But, for an hour, we dare to sweep back the illusions of pain and dispel our confused struggling…. Today we speak of libraries. Today we celebrate books.’ Hugh McDonald. Courtland Benson. Ralph Stanton. The Wosk family, especially Yosef, author of the above thrilling words. All honor to them. They have done something eternal. They have extended civilization.” Article by Trevor Lautens, The Vancouver Sun. (December 7, 1996)
• “Gift of old books speaks volumes: Printer made reading accessible” by Tom Hawthorn, The Globe and Mail (March 1996), and “Simon Fraser given rare books worth $500,000” in Arts Ink column, The Globe and Mail (March 19, 1996)
• “SFU acquires $500,000 renaissance book collection: Masterpieces of the printer’s craft,” also published as “Simon Fraser library acquires $500,000 renaissance book collection,” regarding the prized 106 rare and valuable books published in Latin and Greek by Aldus Pius Manutius that now comprise the Wosk-McDonald Aldine collection; “Morris Wosk and one of his sons, Yosef, immediately understood the great historical value of these works and their importance to scholars”, said SFU Rare Books and Special Collections librarian Ralph Stanton. Article by Vlad Konieczny, pp. 1 and 3, Vol. 5, No. 5, Simon Fraser University News and also (March 7, 1996).
• “Nurturing the Future: Yosef Wosk lends a hand,” on establishing a $100,000 Student Bursary Endowment [with government matching funds]. Quote from Yosef: “To adapt a famous quote—‘Those who support a single artist, support an entire civilization.’” Article by Sylvia Iredale, photo by Leeta Harding; Vol.1, Issue 3, Visions in the making: The official publication of the Emily Carr Institute of Art + Design. (March 1995)
• “Distinguished rabbi returns to lead community services” — Excerpts: “Rabbi Yosef Wosk, who has returned to Vancouver after earning a Ph.D. from Boston University, will lead the Burquest Jewish Community Association Rosh Hashanah (New Year) and Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) celebrations…. During the eight years he spent in the Boston area, he worked as chaplain at one of Massachusetts’ maximum-security prisons, received a master’s degree in theology from Harvard Divinity School, and served as a teaching assistant for Nobel Laureate and Holocaust expert Elie Wiesel. A strong background in the arts has also allowed him to serve as a consultant on religious art; Wosk has consulted locally on the Temple Schara Tzedeck windows and on Boston’s Holocaust Memorial competition. Work in human rights and for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) earned him that organization’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Award for Exemplary Community Service.” P. 28, Tri-City News [serving Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody, B.C.]. (September 15, 1993)
• “Rabbi Yosef Wosk receives Martin Luther King Jr. award”, article and photograph. The Jewish Western Bulletin. (January, 1990)
• “Spiritual, social activities planned at Temple Shalom”, Medford, Massachusetts. P. A-7, Medford Daily Mercury. (March 6, 1987)
• “Medford Temple Welcomes New Rabbi,” Jewish Advocate, (December 18, 1986)
• “Harvard Divinity School Congratulates the Class of ‘85” — Photographic essay depicting various graduates including one of Yosef as Master of Theology (Th.M.) graduate. Back page [16], Vol. XVI, No. 1, Harvard Divinity Bulletin. (October – November 1985)
• “Yosef Wosk Talmud Torah Building Fund” — Article and photograph with Dr. Sid Zbarsky, President of the Talmud Torah [Elementary School], regarding a $3,000 donation with funds collected in lieu of Bar Mitzvah gifts, an initiative suggested by my parents. Jewish Western Bulletin. (April 7, 1962)

Media Mentions in Other Categories

Cartoons:

Cartoons featuring Philosophers’ Café have appeared as “Back Bench” by Graham Harrop in The Globe and Mail, p. R7, March 8, 2000 and another as the featured Editorial Cartoon by Graham Harrop, The Vancouver Sun, p. A14, February 16, 2000. The text accompanying the drawing depicted the maître d’ saying to a customer washing dishes: “Maybe next time you come to a Philosophers’ Café to discuss: ‘Is there really a free lunch?’ you’ll bring enough money. Here’s another Plato.” Additional work was commissioned and published in some Philosophers’ Café Newsletters and in Café Conversations: Democracy and Dialogue in Public Spaces, edited by Michael Picard; conceived of by Brian Kaufman, publisher of Anvil Press, Michael Picard, and Yosef who wrote two chapters: “Philosophers’ Café: A Synoptic History” and “Communications in the Cosmic Café: A Universal Choreography”, with illustrations by cartoonist Graham Harrop and Robert Fludd (1619). Other authors hail from Belgium, France, Brazil, USA, Canada, Japan, Israel, Netherlands, Germany, Peru and Greece. Anvil Press, Vancouver (2023).

Internet:

There are thousands of references to Yosef on the Internet. He also has experience as a producer:

• Producer — “Philosophers’ Café,” a local and international site at Simon Fraser University that presents a calendar of café gatherings, articles, links and champions public discourse: philosopherscafe.net. (1998-2010)
• Producer — “The Canadian Academy of Independent Scholars” web site: independentscholars.net. (2002-2010)
• Executive committee and principal sponsor — “Venice Jewish Museum & Ghetto,” Museo Ebraico di Venezia, Antico Ghetto di Venezia [Venice, Italy and Vancouver, Canada]: venice-ghetto.com. (2001-2003)
• Web Site Advisory Committee — Canadian Library Association, Ottawa and regional representation: cla.ca (1998-2002)
• Sponsor — Site for Trenchtown [Jamaica] Reading Centre: trenchtown readingcentre.com

Radio:

98.3 FM Roundhouse Radio (Owner: Don Shafer). On the program “Sense of Place”, guest host Stirling Faux spoke with Yosef Wosk, an Adjunct Professor and Shadbolt Fellow in the Department of Humanities at Simon Fraser University, about the Wosk family and leaving behind a prolific legacy.  (May 3, 2017)

96.1 FM VERA Radio. Interview by Sasha Gerson on Yosef’s family background, his philosophy, community activities, and views on current events. VERA Russian Radio is Vancouver’s first and only radio program for Russian speakers in Greater Vancouver. The program broadcasts local, national, and international daily news. It further provides information on culture, tradition and entertainment stemming from the perspective of the Russian population. It is listened to worldwide on the Internet: http://radio.russianvoice.net/,   http://veracanada.fm/, and www.russian

voice.net. Fairchild Radio, Aberdeen Centre, Richmond, B.C.  (April 5, 2017)

98.3 FM Roundhouse Radio. “Passages: Reflections on Life’s Many Transitions—A poetic reflection on the meaning of life by the scholar, rabbi, and philanthropist Yosef Wosk.” Delivered as a guest of Sam Sullivan’s Public Salon, June 5, 2013; radio rebroadcast in December 2013.

CBC     The Early Edition with Rick Cluff, topic: “Children’s Farmyard: Why have local politicians said ‘No’ to a $100,000 donation? We speak with philanthropist Yosef Wosk about how he tried to save the Stanley Park’s farm.”  (December 1, 2009)

CBC     On the Coast with Priya Ramu, a newsmagazine of the day’s news across the province; topic: “Yosef Wosk as catalyst for the proposed development of, and public access to, the Vancouver Public Library’s [Central Library] roof garden,” Radio 1 [AM frequency, throughout B.C.].  (June 15, 2005)

CBC     Richardson’s Roundup with Bill Richardson, produced by Heather Kennedy, twenty-two minute nationally broadcast interview on philanthropy, collecting art and related reflections.  (December 18, 2003)

CBC     The Afternoon Show with Paul Grant, topic: “The Wosk Masterworks Print Collection at Emily Carr Institute of Art + Design.” Radio 1 [AM frequency, throughout B.C.] (April 2); “National Arts Report” on Radio 2 [FM, Canada-wide]. (April 3, 2003)

CBC     Ideas, produced by Kathleen Flaherty; a participant in “Dialogues on Who Cares? Forum on Social Responsibility,” national broadcasts. (January 31, February 7 and 14, 2003)

CBC     The Early Edition with Chris Brown, topic: “Textured Images Exhibit” at The Zack Gallery.  (July 29, 2002)

CBC     Basic Black with Arthur Black, topic: “Temple Treasures at the Vancouver Public Library,” national broadcast.  (January 20, 2001)

CBC     The Early Edition with Paul Grant, topic: “Temple Treasures”  (January 11, 2001)

CKNW The David Berner Show, topic: “Philosophers’ Café”.  (April 3, 2000)

CBC     The Early Edition with Rick Cluff, topic: “Philosophers’ Café”  (February 16, 2000)

Donor:

CHKG  96.1  FM, major sponsor of VERA Russian Voice Radio <www.russianvoice.net> on Fairchild Radio — “The World” multi-ethnic radio station,  Richmond, B.C.; also broadcast over the Internet with a worldwide audience.  (2008 – present)

CFRO  102.7 FM, Vancouver Cooperative Radio.  (2002 – 2003)

Necessary Voices Society, donor and was on the board of this organization whose mandate is to record, produce and distribute programs to independent community radio stations within Canada and around the world.

Television:

Rompost TV

Book launch — The Hidden and the Revealed: The Queen Esther Mosaic of Lilian Broca, New York and Jerusalem: Gefen Publishing House, 2011. Yosef also contributed a significant chapter. Panel presentation for the book launch, parts of which were included in a further television interview produced by Adelina Suvagau, Producer, Rompost TV [for Canadians of Romanian background] and Sonia Productions. It was broadcast twice on OMNI BC, Cable 8; a DVD is also available.  (December 2011)

CTV     Interview at home with children and son, Avi’s dog, Rommy, regarding the Vancouver Parks Board’s controversial decision to close the Stanley Park Children’s Farmyard. Yosef worked for years to preserve the site.  (Fall 2009)

Shaw Cable TV

The Fanny Kiefer Show; introduced as “one of Canada’s leading thinkers, rabbi, author, businessman, musician, art collector, philanthropist, visionary, academic, Dr. Yosef Wosk, who has endowed over two hundred libraries and museums worldwide, celebrates one of his other notions—The Philosophers’ Café.” Studio 4, Shaw TV, Vancouver. (Numerous rebroadcasts; original recording September 24, 2008)

Caring for Communities, Series 2 — Yosef interviewed by Shaw TV on behalf of Vancouver Foundation. “This series highlighted dozens of volunteers, non-profit organizations and donors who are doing amazing work to strengthen our communities.” Filmed at Simon Fraser University Downtown Campus.  (February 3, 2006)

The Fanny Keefer Show, interview regarding The Wosk Masterworks Print Collection at Emily Carr Institute of Art + Design, The Philosophers’ Café, philanthropy and community involvement. Quote from the introduction: “Rabbi, academic, philanthropist, Dr. Yosef Wosk, is an independent thinker and creative educator with a stack of accomplishments and a big heart that fuels his passions, one of which is SFU’s Philosophers’ Café.” (March 31, 2003 [four broadcasts]; rebroadcast April 5, 2003)

Vision TV      

[Canada’s multifaith/multicultural national television network]; interviewed [but footage edited out] for the documentary film “A Special Scribe,” Donna Zuckerbrot, director/producer; Reel Time Images, Inc.  (Summer 2005)

Multicultural TV

Rompost TV, Romanian community television, Vancouver and other Canadian stations; introductory blessing for Lilian Broca’s “Queen Esther Series” [mosaics]; numerous broadcasts including (May 2, 2004)

TV5      [Paris: worldwide French-speaking cable network, in more than 165 countries], co-produced by Radio-Canada Télévision [CBC French language], interviewed by Frédéric Mitterand as “Patron of the Arts;” part of «24 heures à Vancouver».  (May 7 [broadcast May 10], 2003)

CBC     [Canadian Broadcasting Corporation], “The National News,” interview & report on “The Philosophers’ Café”.  (May 18, 2000)

CBC     Newsworld National Television, “Report”.  (May 18, 2000)

Related programs featuring the Philosophers’ Café have appeared on: The Vision Television Network [a special report and six-part “Skylight” series] and CBC “The Moral Divide” [both national broadcasts], as well as Vancouver TV [local program].

Medford Cable Television

[Medford, Massachusetts], hosted series on Jewish ideas for this community network, including “Passover Themes” (March 1991); “Temple Treasures: The Beauty of Holiness” (April 1991); “Biblical Portraits: Elijah the Prophet” (May 1991); “Women’s Spirituality” (May 1991).

WSBK   [Boston], interviewed on “Transpersonal Psychology”.  (1985)

Video/audio

Featured, or appearance, on numerous audio / video recordings including:

Book Festival — Combination in-person and real-time broadcast to a cumulative audience of over 400 participants; also videotaped. Yosef was Moderator (and author) for Epilogue Event for the Jewish Book Festival 2022, dual book launches: Sounds from Silence: Reflections of a Child Holocaust Survivor, Psychiatrist and Teacher (Amsterdam Publishers, 2021), a memoir by Robert Krell, and Out of Hiding: Holocaust Literature of British Columbia, edited by Alan Twigg with an Afterword by Yosef (Ronsdale Press, 2022). Co-sponsored by the Book Festival and the Vancouver Holocaust Education Centre. This was the first major community event after more than two years of pandemic restrictions; held at Wosk Auditorium, JCC.  (April 5, 2022)

Nachum Tim Gidal: Memories of Jewish Poland book launch; live Zoom broadcast to over one hundred participants; interview of Alan Twigg and Yosef, conducted by Dana Camil Hewitt from the Zack Gallery.  (February 11, 2021)

“Nachum Tim Gidal: Memories of Jewish Poland Photography Exhibit” — Led a 50-minute filmed walkabout of fifty photographs from the Yosef Wosk Collection as part of a two-month featured exhibit in conjunction with the Jewish Book Fair and book launch. The film was broadcast on the “JCC Virtual Experience” website under “Current Exhibit” for two months.

A second review of the exhibit—especially important during the COVID pandemic lockdown when few could  visit the gallery in person— was constructed of a digital “online.flippingbook.com” program so viewers could view all fifty photographs.

DVD available; Zack Gallery, JCCGV. (January-February 2021)

“Philosophers’ Café creator reflects on the past 20 years.” Interview of Yosef by Alison Brierley on the 20^th anniversary of the Café program; photographs by Greg Ehlers. Simon Fraser University, Continuing Studies website. (2018)

A Celebration of Applied Art & Design: Une Célébration des Arts Appliqués et du Dessin — A video was produced highlighting history of the Carter Wosk British Columbia Creative Achievement Awards for Applied Art and Design and its laureates as part of the 10^th Anniversary Celebration and Exhibit held at Canada House, London, England as part of the London Design Week.  (2016)

“Reflections on Art and the Artist” with words by Yosef [written in 2005], a short film [available on YouTube] by Michael Herzog with master photographic publishers 21^st Editions, South Dennis, Massachusetts.  (2014)

Museum of Vancouver Legacy Awards — Honouring those who shape Vancouver including City Legacy Award to Morris J. Wosk and Yosef Wosk; City Shaper Award to Dr. Julio Montaner; Emerging City Visionary Award to Wade Grant. Article, photograph and video on the Museum of Vancouver website MOV e-news.  (October 10, 2014)

“A poetic reflection on the meaning of life by the scholar, rabbi, and philanthropist Yosef Wosk.” — Sam Sullivan’s Public Salon. The Public Salon brings together interesting people with interesting ideas for evenings that are meant to inspire and educate. Video is available on The Public Salon website and YouTube.  (June 2013)

Yosef Wosk – SFU Doctor of Letters, honoris causa, Thursday, June 14, 2012. “Yosef Wosk is a Vancouver philanthropist, scholar, educator, rabbi, community leader, businessman and a former director in Continuing Studies at SFU. He also founded the Canadian Academy of Independent Scholars and SFU’s Philosophers’ Café, the world’s largest series of cafe discussion gatherings. The degree of Doctor of Letters, honoris causa, will be conferred on Dr. Wosk on Thursday, June 14, 2012 at the 2:30 pm ceremony.” Published on SFU website where the ceremony, including Yosef’s stirring charge to the graduates, is video archived. (July 3, 2012)

The Final Word has been an almost annual series of comments by Yosef—patron of The Carter Wosk British Columbia Creative Achievement Awards for Applied Art and Design—as the concluding speaker at the awards ceremony. These comments were videotaped when the ceremonies were held at Shaw Television Studio, Shaw Towers, Vancouver, and later rebroadcast a number of times on Shaw Cable Television. When the award presentations were moved to Exhibition Hall at the Roundhouse Community Centre, the program, including The Final Word, continued to be videotaped and was available, as were the earlier archived presentations, on the BC Achievement Foundation website.

The topics related to the importance of design, art and artists from practical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual perspectives. Some of the presentations included 2009, 2011, and 2013; Nov. 18, 2014 was more extensive. At the November 24, 2016 event, Yosef’s reflective comments reported on the 10^th Anniversary Celebration and Exhibit of Applied Art & Design laureates held at Canada House as part of the London Design Week and also mentioned the work of Robert R. Reid, venerable book designer. On November 28, 2017 at the 13^th Annual Award Ceremony, Yosef presented the award for Lifetime Achievement to Sam Carter, Professor Emeritus of Emily Carr University of Art + Design. On November 27, 2019, he presented another Final Word reflection at the Roundhouse Community Centre titled “Art vs. Design: A Timeless Debate”.  (2009 – present)

Fanny Kiefer interviews Dr. Yosef Wosk founder of SFU Continuing Studies’ Philosophers’ Café on its 10^th Anniversary. 20 minutes. Shaw Cable Television, numerous rebroadcasts; on YouTube.  (September 24, 2008)

Pacific Torah Institute Tribute Evening honouring Rabbi Yosef Wosk. A DVD video, produced by The Studio Video Facilities, of the event, an elegant garden gathering and dinner reception hosted at the home and garden of Syd and Joanne Belzberg, Vancouver.  (June 24, 2008)

Reidfest: An evening to celebrate Robert R. Reid and his many contributions to the book arts, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver.  (November 16, 2007)

A Celebration of Yosef Wosk, presented by Vancouver Public Library and Simon Fraser University, at the Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue.  (May 31, 2007)

Gala Opening of the Jewish Museum and Archives of British Columbia, a constituent of the Jewish Historical Society of British Columbia, video production by The Studio. (March 25, 2007)

Perceptions of God and Heaven (The Afterlife), features panellists Rabbi Yosef Wosk, Reverend Shirley Stockdill and Imam Mohamad Rachid, with moderator Alan Aberbach, director of the Seniors Program. Produced by The Seniors Program, and The Seniors Lifelong Learners Society, Simon Fraser University.  (2006)

Two thousand years before creation: A book collector’s journey from Jerusalem to New York and from distant auctions to the used bookshops of those occasional cities.  This video, also produced by Y, features Yosef’s two-hour presentation on book collecting. Invited presenter in the Share the Enthusiasm Series, organized by the Rare Books & Special Collections Library, Simon Fraser University. Event held at the Asia Pacific Hall, Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue, Vancouver.  (March 23, 2005)

A Video Tour and Community Celebration of the Vancouver Hebrew Academy, Inter-Muses Productions [Isabelle Longnus & A. Jonathan Benny]. (June 2005)

A Special Scribe, Donna Zuckerbrot, director/producer, Reel Time Images, Inc., Toronto [interviewed but edited out of final production].  (2005)

Interview on advanced traditional Jewish education and the celebratory inaugural founders’ dinner of Pacific Torah Institute/Yeshivat Tiferet Moshe Aharon; Inter-Muses Productions, Vancouver.  (2004)

“Vancouver’s Community-Wide Network of Philosophers’ Cafés,” as part of panel presentation: “Meetings of Minds: Models and Methods for Organizing Intellectual Conversations.” Ron Gross, chair, along with panellists Bernard Roy, Evan Sinclair and Ellen Huppert at the Seventh Biennial Conference of the National Coalition of Independent Scholars. (October 15-17); General Society of Mechanics & Tradesmen Building, New York.  (October 15, 2004)

Moses, the Man of God, A lecture for the University of Life Lecture Series, Saint John’s Shaughnessy Anglican Church, Vancouver.  (January 19, 2004)

“Dreams and Generations of the Altneuland” [taped video presentation]

Speech to 400 attendees at the JNF (Jewish National Fund) Negev Dinner. I was the honoree but did not attend because my father, Morris J. Wosk, a”h, passed away a few days previously and I was observing shiva, the seven days of mourning in Jewish tradition. Available on DVD. Four Seasons Hotel, downtown Vancouver.  (April 14, 2002)

A Millennial Conspiracy of Peace, lecture at The Sydney Jewish Museum, Australia. (March 3, 2002)

Two dedicatory addresses and invocation for the Official Opening of The Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue at Simon Fraser University, filmed at the Centre for Dialogue and The Four Seasons Hotel. (September 20, 2000)

Report on the Parliament of the World’s Religions, Fairview Baptist Church, Vancouver. (February 2000)

Interviewer for Schara Tzedeck 90th Anniversary Production.  (March 1998)

Dedication of the Wosk-McDonald Aldine Collection at Special Collections & Rare Books, Simon Fraser University Library, Burnaby. (March 1996)

Philosophical Issues in Rabbinic Thought, Association for Jewish Studies, Boston. (December 1991)

“Temple Treasures: The Beauty of Holiness,” video, cable television broadcast [Medford, Massachusetts] and winning entry in the Solomon Shechter Awards for Excellence in Synagogue Programming category of “Judaica & Fine Arts”. (1991)

Various classes such as Biblical Archetypes; B’nai Or, Philadelphia.  (1981)

My Father’s House, interviewed in Jerusalem for documentary film. Produced by Mark and Elisabeth Benjamin; distribution through B’nai Brith International, New York.  (1974)

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