Local News
Camp Massad returns this summer with a new staff person: Camping Caring Director
By BERNIE BELLAN After a two-year hiatus from having regular sleepover camp, Camp Massad began to return to normal camping last summer.
However, with the world still in the grip of the Covid pandemic, it was no surprise that registration for Massad in the summer of 2022 was its lowest levels ever: just 90 campers in both the first and second sessions combined.
This summer though, things are looking up, with 130 campers registered so far – and with room for more if anyone is still interested in sending their kids to camp.
However, that number is still a far cry short of the 200 campers who were at Massad the summer of 2019 – the last summer before the Covid pandemic hit.
For many campers returning to camp – or attending for the very first time, can be a much more daunting experience than was the case prior to Covid. The effects of social isolation were profound for many kids and, even though it’s nice to think that “we can put Covid behind us,” it’s not such a simple matter for many in the youngest generation who spent some of the most formative years in their lives dealing not only with social isolation, but mask wearing requirements and distancing while at school and elsewhere.
As a result of those pressures – along with all the other pressures that come with growing up in a world where social media – and its often crippling effects on young minds, also plays an outsized role, particularly among adolescents –this coming summer, Camp Massad will be having a new staff person on site whose title will be “Camping Care Director.”
The person who will be filling that role will be Dorit Kosmin, who also wears the title of “Rabbanit” as the wife of Etz Chayim Congregation Rabbi Kliel Rose.
Recently I had the chance to participate in a Zoom call with Dorit, also with Ian Baruch, who will be filling the role of Camp Massad Director of Engagement and Programming for the first time; and with Danial Sprintz, who is now in his 13th year as Camp Massad Executive Director.
We began the call by discussing just what role it is that Dorit will be assuming.
Dorit said that her title in Hebrew will be “Mashgichah Ruchanit,” which she translated as “Supervisor of the Soul” in English. As well, she noted, she will also be responsible for kashrut supervision at the camp.
The funding for Dorit’s new position came about as a result of a grant from the “Foundation for Jewish Camping: Yedid Nefesh,” Dorit explained.
“Many camps across North America have had camper care for generations,” she observed. “My understanding is that Massad never had that position until now.”
For Dorit, however, serving as a care director at a summer camp is nothing new, she said. She has filled that role for years at different camps, all known as Camp Ramah, run by the United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism in the United States.
With both a BA in Family Studies (with a minor in Judaic Studies) and a Master of Social Work degree, Dorit is well equipped to serve in her new role.
Also, as the mother of five kids who have all attended summer camp at one time or another – and who all dealt with the profoundly negative effect that Covid had on young people, Dorit brings a special perspective to the role of Caring Director and “the heightened awareness that mental health plays in young people’s lives.”
The camp experience can often play a pivotal role in so many ways. It can reinforce a sense of community and of sharing and, for Jewish campers, a notion of Jewish identity that they might not otherwise have, or if they do have it, camp can strengthen that identity.
As Dorit noted, in her own home growing up, where her father was a demographer, he stressed that “the way to reinforce Jewish continuity is through Jewish summer camp.”
Not only can camp be great fun and a place where Jewish identity can be developed, it can also be a “place for healing,” Dorit observed, and “not just for the campers, but for the staff” as well, she added.
Danial Sprintz noted that this summer Camp Massad will be back to “a full staff (of 40) for the first time” in years.
He also observed that for many kids, issues revolving around “body image” and “depression,” which were not unusual for kids to have even before the Covid pandemic, were made all the worse during the pandemic.
Ian Baruch added that he can relate to another issue that many campers face at Massad. As a member himself of a family that immigrated to Winnipeg from a non-English speaking country (Argentina), although Ian grew up here and became fluent in English, many of the campers have just come to Canada in recent years. While some of the campers grew up in homes speaking Hebrew, many others have either no knowledge of Hebrew or very little.
“When I came to Canada I spoke only Spanish and Hebrew,” Ian recalled. “I learned English from other campers.”
As a matter of fact, he added, many of the camp counselors are Spanish-speaking, which should be comforting for campers with similar backgrounds.
This year some of the campers will have come here recently from Ukraine, while at least one camper is one from Brazil.
Regardless what language is spoken, however, Danial Sprintz said that what Massad wants to teach campers are “inclusivity, loyalty, and creativity.”
No kids are ever turned away from Massad, he added, whether for reasons of financial hardship or perhaps because of physical or intellectual disability. Danial noted that for many parents finding the money to send their kids to camp can be a real challenge and they might not even want to consider doing that because there are so many other financial obligations that they would prioritize ahead of camp. He would like to assure those parents that Massad will find a way of making it possible for them to send their kids to camp if that is what they want. All they have to do is contact him and he’ll invite them to come down to the office where they can discuss their particular situation.
As well, Dorit noted that children on the autism spectrum will also be made to feel welcome at Massad. In her role as Caring Director, she said, she will be responsible for having a “sensory space for kids who need a quiet space.”
If you’re at all interested in finding out more about Camp Massad, whether it’s for your kids or, bearing in mind that the readership of this paper skews older – for your grandkids, there is still time to contact Danial at the Massad office here. The number is 204-477-7487. Or visit online at campmassad.ca
Local News
Sandy Sheegl honoured after retiring as executive director of G.R.O.W. Winnipeg
By BERNIE BELLAN It was in the late 1990s that a group of individuals gathered at the old YMHA on Hargrave to discuss the lack of opportunities for individuals with special needs in the Jewish community. A steering committee was formed, under the leadership of Karyn Lazareck.
In an article written for The Jewish Post & News by Fern Swedlove in 2010, Fern explained how that steering committee eventually came to create a program known as G.R.O.W. – which stands for “gainresourcesourway.”
Here is how Fern described the evolution of G.R.O.W. from a seed of an idea to a thriving organization that serves the needs of a great many young adults with special needs in our community:
“In 2002, G.R.O.W. in Gimli was founded as a project of the Steering Committee for Persons with Disabilities in the Jewish Community. The committee of volunteers was led by Karyn Lazareck, and through partnering with the University of Manitoba Department of Occupational Therapy, a unique summer life skills program for young adults (age (18- 24)) with social and intellectual disabilities was developed. The program provided the opportunity for individuals to learn and practice life skills and social skills in a safe environment. The partnership with the university supported the development of evidence-based curricula as well as quality assurance through the establishment of a program evaluation process.
“The G.R.O.W. in Gimli Program quickly became known in the community, and based on its success, the G.R.O.W. in Winnipeg Program was established in 2010. Originally, both of the programs were piloted under the auspices of the Rady Jewish Community Centre. In November of 2013 further success and development of the program facilitated G.R.O.W. becoming an independent registered, charitable organization governed by a Board of Directors comprised of parents and professionals
“The G.R.O.W. in Winnipeg Program is an innovative, transitional day program for young adults (21 and older) preparing for independent living. Centered on the individual with a goal oriented approach, the program focuses on life management, health and healthy living, and the development of social, recreational, and pre-vocational skills.”
In a subsequent article that I wrote in 2022 about the 20th anniversary of the G.R.O.W. in Gimli program, I noted that Sandy Sheegl was the executive director of the G.R.O.W. program. What I didn’t know at the time was that Sandy was the only executive director G.R.O.W. had ever had.
On Thursday, April 10, a large group composed of parents of G.R.O.W. participants over the years, along with many participants themselves, gathered at the home of Barb Ivans, who was one of the members of that original steering committee which led to the development of G.R.O.W.
The purpose of the evening was to honour Sandy Sheegl who, after 23 years as executive director of G.R.O.W., will be retiring from that position.
Karyn Lazareck paid tribute to Sandy’s long years of service. She described how she first met Sandy at one of those early steering committee meetings: ”And there I was chairing a meeting in a hallway and in way over my head. The meetings were unbelievable. We had all kinds of very knowledgeable people who had a lot to say, and as an inexperienced chair, I let them say it. And so the meetings were marathons. At one of those meetings, I leaned over to ask my friend Joanie Sheps: ‘Who that young woman was silently crying in the corner?’ and Joanie told me ‘That’s Sandy Sheegl and her son was just diagnosed with autism’ and Joanie and I knew firsthand how hard it was for parents seeking support, especially within the Jewish community. So she (Joanie) looked at me and said, as only she could, ‘Well, she better get a grip,’ and I think we can all agree because Sandy got her grip.
“Sandy joined our committee and, over the next 30 years took on numerous roles, culminating as the executive director of G.R.O.W. She co-chaired the special needs steering committee, working alongside Jan Thompson, and together this committee lobbied the synagogues, schools and camps to promote inclusionary policies.”
Lazareck went on to describe how Sandy Sheegl oversaw the growth of G.R.O.W. from what was originally just a summer program in Gimli to a full-time program with the purchase of a house at 93 Willow.
Sandy Sheegl has worked tirelessly to insure the success of the G.R.O.W. program. Karyn noted that ”One of Sandy’s greatest moments in leadership came during the dark days of Covid. While most programs shut down, Sandy ensured that G.R.O.W. remained active. She and the team held Zoom meetings twice daily, hosting games, contests, and even delivering bingo cards to participants’ homes.
“She secured funding that allowed for a staggered reentering, ensuring that doors at G.R.O.W. were open well before any other program. And I don’t know of any other professional in the field who did what she did, out of love and compassion… and dedication. Sandy brought that competitive spirit to fundraising and under her leadership, our events became more successful each year.”
One of the ongoing aspects of the G.R.O.W. program has been a hockey tournament held as a fundraiser. Karyn noted that, although the tournament was not held last year, it will be mounted again this coming May 31st. Participants come from many different areas. If you would like to participate or perhaps know someone else who might like to participate you can email G.R.O.W. at info@growyourway.ca or call 204-505-3799.
In one final moment of tribute, Lazareck noted that she herself will soon be honoured with the presentation of a “meritorious service medal from the Governor General acknowledging G.R.O.W. and its influence beyond this province. I knew the honor must be shared with her, and so I’m inviting Sandy to join me in Ottawa for the presentation.”
Local News
BB Camp finds itself embroiled in controversy over camp co-director Jacob Brodovsky
(April 10, 2025) By BERNIE BELLAN It began with an article on a website that purports to expose anyone the owners of the website (whoever they are; their name or names are not listed anywhere on the site) deem to be anti-Israel.)
In an article recently posted on the website, B’nai Brith Camp co-director Jacob Brodovsky is accused of “engaging with anti-Israel and pro-Palestinian posts.”
The article goes on to say that “These activities, critics argue, demonstrate a clear bias that is inappropriate for someone in a position of influence over impressionable Jewish youth.” (The article does not give the names of any of these “critics.”)
The article further says that “ ‘It’s unacceptable,’ said one community activist. (Again – no name given.) ‘Parents send their children to BB Kenora for a safe, enriching Jewish experience—not political indoctrination against Israel. We demand Jacob’s removal.’ “
Nowhere does the article cite any instance in which Brodovsky engaged in “political indoctrination against Israel” in his capacity as camp director.
What apparently enraged the author of the article on the website was Brodovsky “liking” certain social media posts that had been posted by someone who goes by the name “Rusty Robot.” Apparently the social media posts that are at the centre of this controversy were posted in the spring of 2024, which might lead one to wonder: Why is the author of the article going after Brodovsky now?
According to the article, “The controversy has led some families to threaten to withdraw their children from the camp. ‘As long as Brodovsky remains, I’ll find another camp,’ stated one father. ‘He shouldn’t be shaping young minds with extremist views.’ ” (Again, the father’s name, similar to the “community activist,” is not given, nor is there any evidence cited of Brodovsky ever having shaped “young minds with extremist views.”)
In addition to the article on the website itself, there are several comments from individuals who, in some cases, give their full name, but in others only their first name, and who level some very serious accusations against Brodovsky, including this comment from someone who gives her name only as “Amy”: “if you are the director of a Jewish camp who shuts down support for hostages and protests the raising of the Israeli flag and singing Hatikvah, then your politics are affecting your role and the climate at camp.”
Two other commenters also criticize Brodovsky’s wife, Lexie Yurman, with someone named Rachel writing that ” I’m confused why there is no commentary on his wife, who runs the camp along side him and has allowed for this behaviour from him for years. She is complicit to his actions.” Another commenter by the name of Nancy writes: “I am confused to why Lexie Yurman, the co-director is not mentioned, since she has allowed for these actions to take place at the camp. She may not be able to control his online behaviour, but she certainly has control over actions taken at the camp and should be implicated in regards to the decisions made there.”
With controversy raging, the board of B’nai Brith Camp held an emergency meeting the evening of Tuesday, April 8, during which the directors discussed Brodovsky’s fate and how to respond to the article in question.
It should be noted that during the time that Jacob Brodovsky and his wife (and co-director of BB Camp), Lexie Yurman, have been running BB Camp (since 2021) it has seen record registrations.
On Wednesday, April 9, the board of BB Camp issued the following statement:
BB CAMP CO-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR APOLOGIZES FOR SERIOUS ERROR IN JUDGEMENT
Maintains Position, with Conditions, Following Unanimous Support of the Board
After conducting painstaking due diligence, the BB Camp Board of Directors unanimously voted to retain Co-Executive Director, Jacob Brodovsky, following his full apology for his serious error in judgement on social media.
After listening to all comments and concerns, the Board made a decision that it believes is best for the organization moving forward.
“While we know not everyone will agree with our decision, we have full confidence that Jacob will continue to provide our campers, families, and clients with the same safe and nurturing environment that they have come to expect and enjoy over the last four years,” said Board chair, Leah Leibl.
She pointed to Jacob’s sincerity in issuing an apology.
“I accept full responsibility and sincerely apologize for the gravity of my mistake and lack of judgement in liking posts that did not align with the values of BB Camp,” said Co-Executive Director, Jacob Brodovsky. “I am extremely remorseful for my actions and most grateful to be able to continue in my role serving our Jewish community.”
Jacob also reaffirmed his belief in the State of Israel and is working closely with others to examine steps that can be taken to strengthen Jewish life and deepen support for Israel at Camp.
Jacob added, “I believe in Israel’s right to exist and care deeply about the safety of all Jews and Israelis.”
In addition to the apology, the Board requires their Co-Executive Director, who agreed, to exercise due caution in his use of social media and avoid any activity that may run counter to the mission of the organization. The Board of Directors has also expressed to Jacob the extreme seriousness of this matter, and has reinforced to him his obligation to uphold all Camp policies.
Apparently though, the board’s statement did not mollify whoever runs the website that first broached the allegations about Brodovsky. In a post published also on April 9, an article on the website suggests that “the board’s decision to retain Jacob Brodovsky reveals a dangerous capitulation to woke pressures—at the expense of true Zionist values.”
The article goes on to say that “At the time of writing,” the website ” has received numerous communications from angry parents who are banding together and preparing a petition aimed at pressuring the board to overturn their decision and remove Brodovsky. This groundswell of community action underscores the depth of disappointment and anger toward a board that appears more concerned with appeasing a narrow ideological subset than with protecting the core values of Zionism and ensuring a safe, enriching environment for its campers.”
The article ends with: “The board’s weak and dangerous decision is setting a perilous precedent. By prioritizing appeasement over accountability, they have effectively signaled (sic.) that catering to woke demands is more important than protecting the future of our children and preserving the heritage of our community. As long as Brodovsky remains at the helm, the values of Zionism and the safety of our youth are under threat.
“The time for empty apologies and half-measures is over. The community’s message is loud and clear: Enough is enough, ‘the asshole has to go’. Until the board reconsiders its decision, angry parents are mobilizing, and their collective voice will not be ignored.”
Local News
2025 JNF honorees Yossi and Albert Benarroch recognized for outstanding community leadership
By MYRON LOVE It was a shiduch made in heaven but sadly, all good things must eventually come to an end. Thus, after nine years as spiritual leader of Adas Yeshurun Herzlia Synagogue, Rabbi Yossi Benarroch is retiring – as of the end of July – and returning full time to his family in Israel. Before he goes though, our Jewish community is giving the beloved rabbi a memorable send-off as one of the honorees at this year’s annual JNF Negev Gala – which is scheduled for Tuesday, May 6.
To make the occasion even sweeter, Rabbi Benarroch will be joined on stage by his fellow honoree – his brother, Albert. Where Yossi has been an outstanding community leader in the spiritual realm, Al is a leader in the social services area. For the past eleven years, he has served as Executive Director of the Jewish Family and Child Service. (His title was recently changed to CEO.) He served as the JCFS Clinical Director for 15 years before that. Al also contributes to our community’s religious life as the regular chazan for Yom Tov at the Chevra Mishnayes Synagogue in the North End’s Garden City neighbourhood.
Both brothers describe the JNF recognition as a great honour. “I know our parents would have schlepped a lot of nachus from this,” Yossi says. “This award is particularly significant to me because of my own strong connection to Israel,” he adds.
Al ads that “it is humbling” to be included among the many Negev Gala honorees over the years who have stood out for their leadership, philanthropy and dedication to our Jewish community and to the people of Israel.
He hastens to point out – needless to say – that while the recognition is much appreciated, his hope is that the honour – and the funds raised on the evening – will help make a difference for thousands of Israelis and some IDF veterans in Winnipeg suffering from PTSD.
“I have dedicated my 36-year career – including the past 26 years working for the JCFS – to helping clients suffering from mental health problems,” he notes. “In Israel today, it is estimated that 70% of Israeli children are suffering from PTSD. You would be hard-pressed to find a family in Israel that isn’t experiencing trauma from the events of the past 18 months of war – and a lifetime of stress from the constant threat of rocket fire and terrorism.”
To help some of those families in need, he reports, the project in Israel that the Benarroch brothers have chosen to support with the bulk of the funds from this year’s gala is an expansion to the Sderot Resilience Centre Family Therapy Suite.
According to the JNF webpage, the Resilience Center in Sderot was established by the local government in 2008, to promote resilience, strengthen individuals and the community, and foster the development of partnerships. The Resilience Center provides much needed support for these children and their families, offering therapy and emotional support, a 24/7 hotline, courses for parents to deal with child anxiety, emergency services and more. The Resilience Centre is currently lacking important infrastructure to support the children and families – suffering the trauma of repeated attacks – who rely on it.
Funds raised by the gala will go towards expanding the existing facility by adding a new Trauma Resilience Centre as well as a protective bomb shelter and make the centre accessible for those with disabilities. The additional wing will have 8 therapeutic rooms and allow for double the daily number of patients
Al Benarroch adds that, as part of the norm over the past few years, a portion of the funding raised from the gala will remain in Winnipeg –with some of that sum going toward the JCFS for programming aimed to help IDF veterans living in Winnipeg who may be dealing with their own PTSD – and the remainder going to support youth activities at the Adas Yeshurun Herzlia Synagogue.
Yossi and Al Benarroch are two of four sons (also including Rabbis Yamin and Michael) born to the late Solomon and Mary Benarroch, originally from Morocco, who came to Winnipeg in the early 1960s. For many years, as Torah reader, teacher of maftir, soifer (scribe), shoichet and occasion mohel, Solomon was an integral part of the religious life of our community. He and Mary were exemplary role models for their sons as observant Jews and ardent Zionists.
All four brothers are Joseph Wolinsky Collegiate graduates. Yossi earned a physical education degree from the University of Manitoba in 1984, following which he made aliyah. He studied at the Mercaz Harav Yeshiva (among others), receiving smicha in 1991. In 1999, he and his wife, Elana, and their children moved to Vancouver.
He and his family were back living in Israel in 2016 when the Adas Yeshurun Herzlia pulpit became vacant. “I saw it as an opportunity to fulfil what I felt was my obligation to give back to the community which had given me so much in my early years,” he says.
A second motivation was that he would be able to spend more time with his aged parents and two brothers in Winnipeg.
“My wife, Elana, didn’t want to leave Israel,” he reports, “but she understood how important this was to me.”
The arrangement that they agreed upon was that he would spend blocks of nine weeks in Winnipeg, followed by three in Israel. He always made sure to be home (Israel) for Pesach, Sukkot, and half of Chanukah. Now, nearing 68 years of age, and with his parents both having passed away, Yossi Benaroch feels that it is time to go back permanently.
He leaves with many positive memories of his time at the Adas Yeshurun Herzlia – our community’s dominant Orthodox congregation – where he has been much loved. During his time in Winnpeg, he has also been responsible for kashrut supervision at Shmoozer’s Restaurant, the Simkin Centre, the Gwen Secter Creative Retirement Centre and Gunn’s Bakery – a role that Adas Yeshurun Herzlia rabbis have traditionally taken on over the past 20 years or so.
He is looking forward to spending a lot more time with his wife, their seven children and 14 grandchildren – almost all of whom are in close proximity to each other.
The gala this year will also be featuring Israeli-American comedian Modi Rosenfeld.
Readers seeking more information about the Gala can contact the JNF office at 204 947-0207 or david.greaves@jnf.ca.
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