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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
Mobile Casino Trends in 2026: Usage Statistics – What Casino Online Westace Says
Mobile technologies simplify everyday life. They are used for payments, regular conversations, photos, and even gambling. Sites like casino online Westace leverage modern trends and do everything possible to maximize engagement. Adapting familiar gambling games to smartphones makes them more convenient. Visitors can launch slot machines or other entertainment with just a few taps on the screen. Quick rounds let you instantly see the results and choose a different game type. Interactivity is the main approach to development in 2026.
Usage Statistics in 2026
Online casinos are using mobile development technologies to adapt gambling games to smartphones and tablets. Now, almost every user has the opportunity to launch games to test their features in a convenient format. Sites like casino online Westace are not far behind and adapt to various screen layouts. The latest industry news also indicates significant developments:
More than 75% of players use online casino services via mobile devices. Statistics show significant steady growth compared to the figure of 65% in 2023.
It is predicted that revenue from mobile casinos in 2026 will exceed the mark of $ 60 billion. The figure is two-thirds of the market. Thus, positive trends can be identified among gambling software developers.
The younger demographic aged 18 to 35 years old is the most active user of mobile devices. They have twice the level of involvement compared to other categories.
80% of new casino accounts were registered through mobile apps or mobile-optimized websites. This indicates their convenience and widespread use.
Mobile development is a priority for online casinos. Operators work closely with developers to adapt all games to the relevant requirements.
Features of Mobile Casino Growth
Mobile versions of sites like casino online Westace are dominating in 2026 for a reason. Players can enjoy games with real dealers even from small screens. At the same time, the broadcast quality remains at a high level without delays.
All games are designed for touch use. Players can easily use portrait mode and adaptive layouts to launch a comfortable gameplay format. Biometric login and two-factor authentication are essential tools that protect transactions and accounts from unauthorized access.
Mobile gaming encourages more frequent play in small sessions. For example, a player can play one or two games of baccarat, and then later return to play slot machines. All progress is saved on any device. Yes, a player can start playing on a smartphone, save the results, and return via a browser on a computer.
All Interesting Facts to Know
Recently, sites like casino online Westace have been paying more attention to mobility. For example, seasonal slots are launched first through mobile versions, and then move to desktop. Regulators have also introduced mandatory responsible elements for smartphone users for greater control. Mobile players spend 20% more time playing with real dealers. This emphasizes the close attention to interactive formats and communication.
Ultimately, mobile casino versions occupy their own niche in the industry. Most players use smartphones to play on the go and enjoy fast games. Developers adapt to these requirements and improve services, adding relevant options to games.
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Important Keno Rules: Explained by Casino Online Glorion
Keno is a lottery game that originated in China 2,000 years ago. At that time, it was called baige piao, which translates to “white pigeon ticket” in English. Keno rules on sites like Glorion Casino are similar to those of games like lotto. The game involves choosing numbers in the hopes that they will match randomly selected values. In this article, we will discuss the important rules of online keno.
Understanding Keno Rules at Online Casinos
Keno is a game of chance in which players select 1 to 10 numbers from a table of 1 to 80, similar to bingo. After this, the numbers are drawn. The player’s payout depends on how many figures they match.
In classic keno, the drawing is done using a ball machine. The same equipment is used in bingo and lotteries. The host randomly draws 20 numbered balls. Players win if at least one of their chosen numbers matches the dealer’s draw. The more matching numbers, the larger the payout.
Online keno is played using a random number generator (RNG). Keno payouts on sites like Casino Online Glorionare similar to those in the classic game. The differences are due to the drawing procedure and the properties of different versions.
After users select their 20 numbers, the gambling software publishes its 20 figures, which determine the winner. Payout amounts vary across platforms, so users should check them before playing.
Basic Keno Stages in Online Casinos
Users planning to play keno at sites like Casino Online Glorion should be familiar with the gameplay process. Typically, it includes the following stages.
- Select a keno card. The ticket displays numbers from 1 to 80.
- Choose your numbers. In different versions, users select 10, 15, or 20 numbers before each draw. Each number is called a ‘keno spot.’ You can set the same numbers for multiple draws.
- Check the payout table. In the online version of the game, the table appears after selecting the numbers. It displays information about the payout amount if you guess correctly. The more numbers you match, the larger the payout.
- Calculate your bet. Determine how much you want to bet on each draw. Remember that the bet size affects the final payout.
- Start the game. All the drawn numbers will appear somewhere on the screen. Users can also view the “cold” and “hot” keno numbers. Hot numbers have been drawn recently, while cold ones haven’t won for a long time.
- Match the numbers. Experienced players use the term “catching a spot” when their chosen number is drawn. The number of spots you catch affects your payout.
Keno at websites like Casino Online Glorion offers engaging gameplay. Players can get generous prizes. They should learn the rules, odds, and prize structures to make rational decisions and boost their chances of winning. Chase the thrill, but play it smart.
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Common Online Casino Mistakes To Avoid
Online casino games can be a brilliant way to bring excitement to life in your spare time. These games have become hugely popular in recent years, but you will find that people often make the same mistakes. These mistakes can lead to financial losses, cybercrime, and an inferior experience, so it is important to be aware of what these mistakes are so that they can be avoided. This post will outline a few of the most common mistakes people make when playing online casino games and explain how to avoid falling into the same trap. Interested? Keep reading to find out more.
Ignoring Terms & Conditions
One of the biggest mistakes players make with online casino games is ignoring the terms and conditions. You should always take the time to read through these, paying close attention to things like the conditions of bonuses and restrictions in withdrawals. This will help you avoid any nasty surprises when playing games.
Not Researching Casinos
Another common mistake people make is not researching casinos. There are endless options for online casinos, but not all are equal, and there are even many that are unlicensed. Therefore, you need to research casinos and find one that is fully licensed and has positive reviews. The best casinos will have a massive selection of games to choose from, including blackjack online. A wide selection of games means it is hard to get bored, and you can always find something to play.
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Chasing Losses
One of the most dangerous mistakes people make is chasing losses. This is where players will attempt to win back the money they have lost, which often means betting larger sums. This is a dangerous tactic and a slippery slope, so it is important to be aware of it and take measures to protect against it. The best way to avoid chasing losses is to set a budget before each session – if you spend that amount, you need to be able to walk away.
Not Understanding Games
It is always important to have a strong understanding of the game that you are playing. This will boost your chances of winning and your gaming experience. Therefore, you should always read the instructions when playing a game for the first time. For strategic games like poker, there is a lot of information online that will help you get to grips with the basics and learn strategies to use.
Weak Passwords
Cybersecurity needs to be a top priority when it comes to online casino games. The top casinos will have strong cybersecurity measures in place, but you also have a role to play. It is important to use strong passwords and multi-factor authentication to prevent hackers. It is also smart to avoid having large sums held in your online account in case someone hacks your account.
These are the most common mistakes that you will want to avoid when it comes to online casino games. By avoiding these mistakes, you can improve your experience and enjoy the excitement that these games can bring.