It is with deep sadness that we inform you of the passing of Rabbi Matthew Bellas z”l, son of our members Renee Switzer and Joel Bellas z”l, grandson of Beth Israel member Frances Switzer (William z”l), brother of Adam (Britt) Bellas and Jennifer Wilds, nephew of our members Francine and Marvin Binder, and all of their respective families.
This tragic loss is devastating to all of us, and our thoughts and prayers are with Rabbi Bellas’ family—his wife Oksana, his children Yaakov (Rivka Magier), Maya, and Aliza. They are all beloved by the Beth Israel and Vancouver Jewish communities and we extend our heartfelt condolences to them during this incredibly difficult time.
Rabbi Bellas was a member of Beth Israel both in his childhood and during the six years that he lived in Vancouver while serving as the rabbi at Vancouver Talmud Torah. He was a leader and shining light in both the Beth Israel community and the entire Vancouver Jewish community. He and his immediate family were vital members of the Beth Israel Shabbat community and an important part of our growth.
His leadership was marked by humour, warmth, and a deep commitment to the well-being of every child. Rabbi Bellas led with compassion and pride, always striving to create an environment where each student felt valued, cared for, and inspired. His legacy of kindness, dedication, and love for our community will remain in our hearts forever.
The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, January 1 at 10:00 AM at B’nai Shalom of Olney, 18401 Burtfield Drive, Olney, MD 20832. Interment will follow at Judean Memorial Gardens, 16225 Batchellors Forest Road, Olney, MD 20832. The funeral service can be viewed via livestream HERE.
Shiva will be observed at the Bellas residence, 18242 Hickory Meadow Drive, Olney, MD 20832, at the following times:
• Wednesday, January 1: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM, with evening minyan at 7:30 PM
• Thursday, January 2: Shacharit minyan at 9:00 AM, 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM, and 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM, with evening minyan at 7:30 PM
• Friday, January 3: Shacharit minyan at 9:00 AM and 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
• Saturday, January 4: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM, with evening minyan at 7:30 PM
• Sunday, January 5: 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM and 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM, with evening minyan at 7:30 PM
• Monday, January 6: Shacharit minyan at 9:00 AM, 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM, and 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM, with evening minyan at 7:30 PM
• Tuesday, January 7: Shacharit minyan at 9:00 AM
Evening minyan on Thursday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday can be joined via the B’nai Shalom’s Zoom link (Password: 18401).
May Matthew’s memory be for a blessing.
