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.
David Matas awarded Global Humanitarian Leader of the Year Award
Jan. 4, 2021 Winnipeg-based international human rights lawyer David Matas has been awarded the first ever Global Humanitarian Leader of the Year award by the human rights group Canadians in Support of Refugees in Dire Need (CSRDN).
Winnipeg physician Tamar Rubin publishes first full book of poetry
By BERNIE BELLAN
Becoming a doctor requires a tremendous amount of dedication, intelligence, and empathy – and those are just some of the attributes that one might suggest are prerequisites.
But, as I’m sure most of us have discovered over the years, practicing medicine is an art form that may often complement other artistic sides that many doctors have, but of which their patients – perhaps even their colleagues, may be unaware.
See how many faces you can recognize in this video
The Gwen Secter Centre had an idea for a video involving some of our community's most recognizable faces.
See how many of them you might recognize in this video of a well-know Carol King song that was put together recently. https://vimeo.com/497403089/379a334e28
The World’s Most Awkward Boy Band comedy tour
By ADAM SCHWARTZ
I have some very exciting news for this upcoming year. Starting in January I am joining the World’s Most Awkward Boy Band. No it has absolutely nothing to do with music, even though I tried my hand at that as well. Ariel Posen, named one of Music Radar’s top ten greatest guitar players in 2019, alongside the likes of Slash and the Black Key’s Dan Auerbach, even graced the stage with me in 2001, when we were both in grade 9.
Canada’s National Junior men’s team’s Jewish goalie: Devon Levi
By BERNIE BELLAN
If Harvey Rosen were still writing for us, I’m sure here is how he would have introduced the following story:
“Readers of this newspaper might be surprised to learn that the stellar goalkeeper for Canada’s National Junior hockey team is a member of the Hebraic persuasion!”
5 things to know about Israel’s attention-grabbing COVID-19 vaccination spree
By PHILISSA CRAMER, BEN SALES
Jan. 5, 2021 (JTA) — Israel is making headlines for its response to COVID-19 — again.
Early on in the pandemic, Israel was lauded for its tough lockdown measures and low coronavirus rates, only to become a cautionary tale over the summer, when case numbers skyrocketed.
Dora Ben-Zhion now at the helm of Grandma Alla’s
By REBECA KUROPATWA
For many who have had the opportunity to taste Grandma Alla’s baking and cooking, you may already know how good it is.
But, what may be news is that Grandma Alla (Golinkin), retired last July. Fortunately, her assistant, Dora Ben-Zhion, has gradually stepped into filling in for all of Grandma Alla’s baking fans’ needs – baking up a storm, especially over the holidays.
Ron Ben-Zhion "raising the roof" with RonOvations
By REBECA KUROPATWA
The other half of the Ben-Zhion couple is also talented in his own right.
JCFS and Gwen Secter Centre continue to provide key supports during pandemic
By BERNIE BELLAN
Ever since the COVID pandemic first began to have a major impact in our community I’ve been reporting on how various agencies have been meeting the needs of those sectors of our community that have been most affected by COVID – whether that’s in the form of regular meal deliveries, grocery shopping, psychological counseling, or simply keeping in touch with isolated individuals.
Local gifted crafter Stacey Hochman Corden making her mark via virtual word of mouth
By REBECA KUROPATWA
With so many sad instances of people getting into dire straits since Covid-19 emerged in our community, it’s nice to know that some individuals are finding creative ways to not only stay afloat, but even succeed.