Covid situation presents synagogues with opportunities as well as challenges
By MYRON LOVE
These are trying times that we are living through. And certainly, our communal religious institutions – having been prevented from convening services for these past few months – have faced their share of challenges. But, as rabbis and synagogue spokespeople have pointed out in a series of interviews, there have also been new opportunities that have presented themselves that may never have occurred without the challenges.
Canadian Friends of Hebrew University announces $5,000,000 gift from the Asper Foundation
This transformative gift will name Asper HUJI Innovate at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem
The Canadian Friends of Hebrew University are pleased to announce a transformative gift of five million dollars ($5M) from The Asper Foundation that will be used to name Asper HUJI Innovate, a multi-disciplinary center dedicated to assisting students, faculty and alumni develop their innovation and entrepreneurial skills at the Hebrew University.
Fourchette partners aim to sweeten life for Covid-fatigued Winnipeggers
By MYRON LOVE
Just about a year ago, Viktoria Mejnov and Ella Zilbert, the ladies behind Fourchette, were looking forward to moving into a permanent bricks and mortar home for their fledgling sweets and treats business.
Then, Covid arrived...
From Birobidzhan to Winnipeg, former Israeli finding success with Rocket Rooter
By REBECA KUROPATWA
Born in Birobidzhan, in the heart of the Jewish Autonomous Oblast on the east edge of Russia, Alexander Bazer moved to Israel with his parents after his 13th birthday.
Growing up, Bazer and his family did not have a lot of contact with other Jews, but Yiddish was often spoken at home.
Tracy Leipsic adding to family legacy in insurance industry, community involvement
By MYRON LOVE
After taking a break of more than a decade from the insurance industry to focus on her family, Tracy Leipsic is back in action, so to speak. About a year ago, she joined the Reider Insurance team as a Senior Account Manager.
“The timing was perfect,” she comments. “I have known the Reider family for many years. It has been a really good fit for me.”
Debating Israel's decision not to inoculate Palestinians on the West Bank
Introduction: Earlier this month two NDP Members of Parliament, Charlie Angus and Leah Gazan, raised the hackles of many individuals by suggesting that Israel was denying the Covid vaccine to Palestinians on the West Bank. Myron Love wrote a strongly worded criticism of those two MPs, which you can read here. We also offer a letter by reader Diane Zack, who defended the two MPs:
Free virtual Master Classes in acting offered amid pandemic
By REBECA KUROPATWA
The Winnipeg Studio Theatre (WST) has been one of the first organizations to receive a “Safe at Home” grant from the province, enabling it to teach online Master Classes in Theatre Arts, with the public able to tune in for free.
Elaine Todres - she does it all! (but Gerry wants her to do more)
By GERRY POSNER
With all the problems in Canada stemming from Covid-19, most notably in nursing homes, I suggest what is needed is a Senior Czar to oversee and deal with the issues confronting these institutions and indeed retirement residences as well. I even have a person who could take charge and do a complete overhaul of the system, someone who has experience in the field of governance, human resources, emergency response, nursing home capital requirements and leadership in a variety of areas.
Former Winnipegger Hilda Chasia Smith to release book of meditations and poems
By BERNIE BELLAN
When I was contacted recently by Hilda Smith (née Szternfeld), who told me that she had recently published a book of meditations and “inspirations” titled “Chasia’s Enchantment – Meditations • Poems • Inspirations” (Chasia being her Hebrew name – the Ch is pronounced as in Chanukah), I thought to myself: “Now Hilda, I know that you’re a very spiritual person – with quite a reputation for bringing enlightenment to others, but I’m a hard ass who is on the opposite end of the scale.”
Former CBC TV host Reg Sherren tells of his time with the mother corp.
3 lines
By MARTIN ZEILIG
For “a freckle-faced, red-headed kid growing up in small-town Western Labrador,” who sort of stumbled into his profession, former CBC reporter Reg Sherren sure made a name for himself.
He ended up travelling the world and telling stores for CBC’s flagship news program, The National, as well as hosting the popular TV program, Country Canada.
Thousands attend secret Hasidic wedding in Brooklyn, many reportedly from Europe and Israel
By SHIRA HANAU
Jan. 19, 2021 (JTA) — When the Yiddish newspaper Der Blatt set out to explain how a massive wedding for the grandson of the Satmar grand rabbi took place despite pandemic limits on gatherings, it waited until after the event to reveal all the details.
“Echoes of Jerry: One Man’s Search for His Deaf Uncle and His Own Voice” by Judah Leblang— Feeling Different
Ed. note: I first met Judah Leblang when he appeared at the Winnipeg Fringe Festival in 2018. As it was my custom over the years to preview any show that had a Jewish performer or Jewish connection, I first previewed Judah's show, then attended in person. At the time Judah told me that he was a sometime writer. Recently he sent me an email to say that he had written a book about his relationship with an uncle. I asked Judah whether there was a review somewhere I could post to this website. What follows is that review (reprinted with the author's permission):
A life cut tragically short - 50 years ago
By BERNIE BELLAN
It was 50 years ago this month that the life of a young woman who was loved by all who knew her was cut tragically short as the result of a totally unforeseeable incident.
I didn’t know Rebecca Victor (who was commonly known as Rebbie), although it turns out we weren’t far apart in age.
Canadian Associates of Ben Gurion University hand baton in Winnipeg to next generation of leaders
By BERNIE BELLAN
In late November we reported that the Winnipeg branch of the Canadian Associates of Ben Gurion University had made a major transition in its local leadership when longtime Winnipeg chair Sheldon Zamick handed over responsibilities to two thirty-something members of our community: Diandra Etkin and Aaron Migie.
Rady JCC to restart cultural programming after long hiatus
By BERNIE BELLAN
Of all the Jewish organizations that have been hit hardest by the lockdown under which we have all been living to one extent or another since March 2020, none was more adversely affected than the Rady JCC.