Features
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.”
Frankly, I’m the odd one out in my family. My son is also a very spiritual person. In fact, he changed his name from Jordan Bellan to “Jitendradas Love-life”. Now, if that isn’t an example of someone who has found enlightenment, I don’t know what could be more convincing.
Then there’s my wife, Meachelle, who spends a part of every day meditating. We even have one room in our house set aside for meditation. (Our dog also meditates with her. Well, she does lie down beside Meachelle and seems to be lost deep in thought – but who am I to judge?)
So, when Hilda asked me if I would write something about her book, I said “sure”. After all, in our last issue I wrote about Dr. Tamar Rubin’s book of poetry. Maybe it’s about time I exposed myself more to my feminine side – as Hilda says we all have in her book.
Now, lest you think that the rest of this article is going to be written in a similarly irreverent manner – you’re wrong. I took my task seriously. I actually scanned all of Hilda’s meditations; I even listened to the ones that anyone who buys the book can hear simply by scanning a QR code that is printed beside each meditation.
Do I understand what Hilda is talking about in her book? Not totally. But I can see that she has a profound understanding of a great many traditions, especially Judaism and yoga (also Indigenous traditions to a certain extent).
Her poetry is quite accessible – and can be read at many levels. Listening to Hilda actually reading her meditations and her poems, which is possible – again, by scanning the QR codes at the tops of certain pages, adds an entirely different component to the written words.
Hilda is really a lovely person, as anyone who’s ever met her can readily attest. Some of her poetry has actually been featured on the pages of this paper, as she notes in her afterword.
Here is some other information about Hilda Smith, taken from “Chasia’s Enchantment”: “Hilda Szternfeld Smith was born in Winnipeg to survivors of the Holocaust. Her middle name Chasia was given in remembrance of her aunt, Chasia Goszer, who died in the Holocaust. Chasia was a self-realized child, filled with wonder and curiosity, which led her to express a true love of the arts, music and education.
“She has taught Hebrew, Yiddish, French and English languages, charm school, music, art, meditation and yoga. She holds degrees from the University of Manitoba, the University of Calgary, Chopra Center University, California, and Pranayama Centers International, founded by Swami Vignananada.
“She was part of the Women’s Writing Project at the University of Calgary…and her poetry has been published in the Winnipeg Jewish Post and the Calgary Jewish Star and her paintings have been represented by galleries in Calgary and Winnipeg.”
Quite the resumé, eh? As if that weren’t enough, here’s what Rabbi Alan Green has to say about Hilda in the foreword to “Chasia’s Enchantment”: “Hilda Chasia Smith exemplifies all the spiritual qualities of a limitless soul – great intelligence, love, and compassion in all of her words and actions. The atmosphere Hilda generates is like heaven on Earth, as if a goddess from Above chose to walk and teach among us. One would do very well to learn meditation and spirituality from Hilda Chasia Smith.”
So, with all that in mind, what could I possibly write that would do justice to Hilda’s book? How’s this? The book is divided into meditations and inspirations that draw upon a very wide body of sources. For instance, Hilda refers to Kabbalistic influences to a large extent. Two of her meditations, “Shalom” and “Sleep, Derekh the Way” draw upon her Jewish upbringing.
Her “inspirations” run the gamut from Jewish-inspired to Hindu-derived. As well as being fluent in Hebrew, Yiddish and French, Hilda is also familiar with Sanskrit.
Here’s an excerpt from an “inspiration” titled “Life Lesson”, which shows the Hebrew and Hindu influences:
The power of our authenticity
lifts spirit, sense of being.
Remember all the storms of life subdued
simply with a shift of mood.
Vedic words Satya, truth; Prema love
blending energies above
Kehttter, crown,
unification’s call.
Tifereht, beauty of it all,
and below to now bestow.
Malchut, foundation deep,
life’s learning, oh the letting go.
“Chasia’s Enchantment” will be released on January 28, which happens to coincide with Tu B’Shvat, while the preceding day, January 27, is International Holocaust Survivors Day.
The book is already generating a huge amount of buzz, as evidenced by a Google search for the title, which leads to quite a number of results – in many different languages.
But, as the publicist for the book noted in an email sent to me, “ ‘Chasia’s Enchantment’ is strongly relevant to Winnipeggers, since she was born in Winnipeg, and to the Jewish community all across the country and beyond.”
“Chasia’s Enchantment” was published by Durvile and UpRoute Books. . The book can be purchased through Amazon.ca, from the publisher’s website at durvile.com or at bookstores across Canada.
On Wednesday, February 3, at 8 pm Winnipeg time Hilda will be launching her book via Zoom through Owlsnestbooks. To register for the Zoom session, go either to durvile.com or send an email to info@durvile.com.
Post script: I sent a draft of this article to Hilda for her to look over. Not to my surprise Hilda wasn’t entirely happy with what I had written. We spent some time talking over the phone, during which Hilda said that it would be misleading to give readers the impression that her book would only have an impact on those who are already into meditation.
Then, she sent me this note: Please open for more about this brand new groundbreaking book because of what it contains – beautiful original poetry, art music and guided meditations that are inspired by things never put together before based on Yoga, meditation, Kabbalah, Torah, Judaism, Vedic teachings, pranayama (breath work) reminders, for enhancing body, mind and spirit towards all that fulfills us truly word by word, breath by breath, heartbeat by heartbeat, towards integrated inner peace, love and equanimity, motivating self love and love for others and the world. There are a few poems in Hebrew, Yiddish, French as well with translation amongst the many English poems of love, insights and inspiration for enhancing total wellbeing. What the book is based on are universal teachings for the whole world regardless of faith, because the unity is love! The paintings and music, the meditations in the book have a guided sound link and video link. The audiobook is soothing and uplifting.! The reviews by rabbis,a psychologist, a visual artist, a theatre artist, a hypnotherapist, a cantor in the book are testimonials to its timeliness and timelessness !
Features
BOOK REVIEW: “Fighting the Hate: A Handbook for Jews Under Siege”
Reviewed by MURRAY BENDER “Thinking on your feet”—quickly defending a position in a coherent, persuasive manner—is a situation that many people find challenging and stressful. “If only I had said this.” or “Why didn’t I say that?” Hindsight is always 20-20.
Following the Hamas atrocities of October 7, 2023, it has become increasingly necessary for diaspora Jews to “think on their feet” as they unwittingly face a barrage of tough, sometimes hateful, questions about Jews and their Israeli homeland.
Why is Israel committing genocide in Gaza? Why doesn’t Israel return the land it has stolen from Palestinians? Why are Israeli settlers attacking Palestinian farmers? How is Israel different from apartheid South Africa? Why can’t I criticize Israel without being called antisemitic? Is it true that Jews control the world? The list of potential questions is nearly endless.
Engage or hide? This is the difficult choice that confronts Jews as they look to deal with anti-Jewish and anti-Israeli behaviour. Fortunately, author and journalist Melanie Phillips comes to the rescue with her practical and insightful book, Fighting the Hate: A Handbook for Jews Under Siege.
According to Phillips, the dilemma has no single answer. “People need to decide how to behave in accordance not just with the specific circumstances but also with their own attributes and limitations.”
Some regard engagement with their opponents as a sacred duty. “They believe it is a betrayal of the Jewish people not to uphold Israel’s case.” Ohers may be uncomfortable with such a direct approach, but “those who decide to keep their heads down and avoid any altercation may well find that this leaves them with a permanent sense of regret and even failure,” she says.
As a result, it’s probably a good idea to adopt some sort of balance. And that’s where Phillips’ 150-page handbook comes in.
She starts by providing context around the “crisis of legitimacy and acceptance” from which Jews are reeling post-October 7. On the basis of extensive conversations with Jews from across the U.S., Britain and Australia, the author found that many “were near stupefied by the terrifying hatred and irrationality that was unfolding around them.” Again and again, they asked: “What should we do? What can we do?”
In response, Phillips offers a pragmatic approach to help prepare for the inevitable conversations, including a number of key principles:
- Get smart rather than emotional
- Stop playing defence
- Find common ground
- Be positive and confident
- Keep physically safe
Based on these overarching criteria, she provides an extensive list of quick and clever retorts to a range of different situations, emphasizing that “it’s our duty to our children and grandchildren to fight for truth and justice.”
So, the next time it is necessary to “think on their feet,” diaspora Jews will be able to respond quickly and confidently to those difficult questions about themselves and Israel. And they can thank Melanie Phillips for coming to the rescue.
Fighting the Hate: A Handbook for Jews Under Siege by Melanie Phillips is available online from Amazon and Indigo.
Features
ESports Meets Casinos: Overview of Bet Sport Gaming
ESports has become part of the interactive entertainment of online casinos. In fact, many fans already have the opportunity to use Dragonia Casino Bet Sport options while watching the matches of their favorite teams. The hybrid entertainment model opens up many possibilities and increases audience engagement. When video games intersect with betting, it creates a unique collaboration where participants have the opportunity to get a completely new experience right in their own home. At the same time, you can continue to enjoy the usual viewing of familiar tournaments and competitions.
How ESports and Casinos Interconnect
ESports has become a multi-billion-dollar industry that attracts spectators. Traditional casinos are focused on luck. But now they are introducing additional methods of encouraging their customers. Among such options, eSports events deserve special attention. Such bet sport offers combine the usual excitement with an element of competition. The structure of the casino entertainment provides participants with the opportunity to test their skills and reveal their own hidden talents. There are several forms of integration of eSports mechanics into the structure of a classic online casino:
- Competitive betting. Online casinos provide the opportunity to bet on eSports tournaments, which is similar to the usual sports betting. In addition, the possibilities are significantly expanded compared to simple viewing platforms.
- Skill-based casino games. Games inspired by eSports encourage players to actively participate in what is happening on the screen. The games reward the player’s results with certain prizes.
- Interactive arenas. Some casinos broadcast eSports events in real time. This allows players to follow the games directly online, which creates a feeling of real participation in familiar entertainment.
- Cross-platform interaction. Online casinos are introducing eSports-style leaderboards and achievements to attract more participants.
Such innovations appeal to new participants. Cultural changes are part of the development of the infrastructure of the classic casino, and eSports fans find a new environment for entertainment and communication.
Growth of ESports Betting
Global eSports revenue in 2025 exceeded $1.5 billion. Each bet sport option has made a significant contribution to the development. Surveys show that over 60% of players will express interest in betting on eSports, which reflects the demand and the need to develop an updated infrastructure for participation.
ESports events attract 15-20% more new participants compared to conventional casinos. The eSports betting market will exceed $20 billion by 2027, according to analysts’ forecasts, which encourages new participants to more actively watch tournaments and participate in various types of activity.
Why Fans Choose ESports
Bet sport gambling is gaining popularity. This is due to several reasons. For example, large casinos in Las Vegas and Macau now host full-fledged eSports tournaments alongside traditional entertainment. Venues are also experimenting with separate fan zones where sports betting and classic gambling are available.
Some of the most popular eSports disciplines are League of Legends and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. Some online casinos even introduce eSports mechanics into slots so that players can try something new.
In short, the intersection of eSports and casinos is a natural development of the industry. Competitive play and an optimized betting system create a comfortable environment for true fans who want to diversify their leisure time.
Features
Card Game Traditions: Complete Review from Casino Online Lolajack Experts
Card games have been around for centuries. They are constantly evolving and improving. For example, there are now many different formats of online games available. On sites like casino online Lolajack https://Lolajack.com/ca/, you can choose a title according to your preferences and skills. The traditions of card games date back to ancient times. To better show yourself, it is worth familiarizing yourself with these features. This way, you will gain experience, have a good time, and get acquainted with something completely new.
Roots of Card Games
Card games directly reflect cultural identity. They have a unique mathematical structure and thoughtful moves that make even professionals think. Depending on the tradition, the rules differ, but the basic principles always remain similar. Each game has a unique origin:
- Poker. It originated in the USA back in the 19th century. During its existence, many variations of gameplay have appeared. It combines risk, strategy, and psychology; therefore, it requires high skill from each player.
- Baccarat. This game has ancient origins. It appeared in the 15th century in Italy, after which it spread throughout Europe. Now it is the basis of any operator like casino online Lolajack.
- Rimmy and bridge. Card games require the cooperation of participants, so coordinated communication is important here.
- Blackjack. This is the perfect combination of skill and chance. The player needs to learn to make decisions quickly and monitor the circumstances.
Card games have their own origins and characteristics. Currently, they are an integral part of any online casino, offering a wide range of opportunities for participants.
Why Card Games Are So Popular
Experts from casino online Lolajack emphasize the importance of card games in many cultures. For example, poker remains the leader for a reason. There are more than 100 million active players worldwide who compete and work on their skills. Blackjack also does not lag behind the trends. The level of participation exceeds 40% of regular online casino users.
Every year, the level of online card games grows by 10%. This is possible due to digitalization and increased player awareness. In addition, seasonal events also increase the involvement of participants during peak periods.
Traditions of Card Games
Unique events attract the attention of fans. For example, the World Series of Poker attracts not only participants but also millions of viewers around the world. Sites such as casino online Lolajack also give participants the opportunity to try their hand and compete with professionals.
Baccarat is associated with high stakes. This is especially noticeable among the Asian audience, who like to put probability theory into practice. Blackjack also has an appeal among math lovers. The probabilities of the model and observations directly affect the decisions of players. Online casinos strive to ensure that participants have the opportunity to communicate and find an activity option according to their own preferences.
As a result, card games remain the true leaders of the gambling market. They not only entertain, but also develop attention, perseverance, and social skills. A large selection of various variations of classic games allows you to choose the version that suits your preferences. Developers do not lag behind trends and do everything possible to surprise fans.