Local News
Jeff Lieberman discusses how, after years of serving as chair of major organizations, he’s actually going to be CEO of one: The Jewish Federation
By BERNIE BELLAN Longtime volunteer – and successful businessman Jeff Lieberman was the surprise choice to be the next CEO of the Jewish Federation of Winnipeg.
I say surprise because, after years of serving on numerous quasi-public boards – often as chair of those boards, one would not have thought that Jeff Lieberman was actually interested in becoming the full-time CEO of one of those organizations. But, that he’ll soon be.
Recently I chatted with Jeff about how he came to throw his hat into the ring for the position of Federation CEO.
I’ve known Jeff for many years now – and, along with Avrom Charach, I can’t think of anyone in our Jewish community who has committed themselves longer to serving our community in so many different capacities.
Among various volunteer positions Jeff has held, he’s been the President of Folklorama, Chair of the University of Manitoba Board of Governors, President of the Rady JCC, President of the University of Manitoba Alumni Association. He currently serves as a Board Member of the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba and the Jewish Federation of Winnipeg.
Jeff, now 63, is married to Robyn (née Buchwald), who is the Membership Manager of the Rady JCC. Jeff and Robyn have three children: Amy, 31, who is a teacher at Gray Academy (and who just had a baby December 31, making Jeff and Robyn grandparents for the first time); Josh, 28, who is a lawyer; and Noah, 24, who has now written two books – among other things (and who was profiled in our last edition – before we ever knew about Jeff’s becoming CEO).
I was curious to find out from where Jeff derives an abiding sense of service to the community, but we began our conversation by my asking Jeff about his long-time ownership of his company, “Great Canadian Promotional Products.”
Jeff said he started the company in 1989. “We sold clothing for local companies and organizations,” he said. Eventually, “people started asking for different promotional products…and I’ve been selling promotional products since then.”
“Around 18 years ago I associated my company with a really large promotional products company – Talbot Marketing… and it’s been really great – lots of staff and support, and it’s really made my business life simple.”
Jeff explained that he thought he would stay in business, eventually work less, then retire, “but the last couple of months (in which he began to think about applying for the CEO position) really changed that.”
His goal before was to sell the company in about a year’s time, he said, but not retire from marketing. With everything that’s now happened, however, he’s had to move much quicker to sell his company.
He said that he’s “spoken to a couple of people in the past couple of weeks” and he’s “hoping to sell it” before he steps into his new role on August 14.
At that point I turned the conversation to the process that led Jeff “to throw his hat into the ring.” I said to him: “I’m guessing you were approached to put your name forward. Is that correct?”
Jeff said that he had been the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba’s representative on the Jewish Federation Board the past couple of years and had been aware for quite some time that Elaine Goldstine was planning on retiring as Federation CEO.
“But, to be honest,” Jeff noted, “I had no interest in putting my name forward. I was happy with what I was doing – and had never even considered it (applying for the CEO position.”
He went on to say that he’s not sure exactly what led to his being approached, but “a few people in the community had approached me and asked whether I’d be interested. They thought I’d be a really good person for the position,” he said, “and I was really complimented. When the first person asked I was kind of surprised because I had never really thought of myself that way, but a few months ago two or three other people came up to me and said the same thing, so it gets you thinking a little bit. I knew that the search was still on and eventually I decided to put my name forward.
“I guess there were a number of people that they were interviewing and I was put in the interview process at the same time – and, amazingly, I was told that the search committee had decided that they’d like me to be the CEO. I certainly didn’t expect it and, as a matter of fact, when I did the interview I said: ‘I hope I’m not wasting your time.’
While Jeff has served – and headed, various boards of organizations in the quasi-public sector – as I noted at the beginning of this article, I suggested to him that he would be the first CEO of the Jewish Federation coming from the private sector, and I wondered how different it would be becoming “the CEO of a quasi-public sector organization as opposed to being the owner of a business?”
“It will certainly be different,” Jeff answered. “What I said in my job interview is that if you’re looking for someone who’s there to build relationships and be a good people person, honest, hardworking – that’s what I am – a person of integrity…and a humble person – that’s what I really am. That’s what I think I bring. I know a lot of people in our community and they know me. I think I’ve got a good reputation.
“I may not bring the most amount of management skills, but I think what the Federation – and other organizations, need, are people to build relationships and build upon a future, because it’s all about the next generation. I think I can relate to younger people. I’m 63, but I feel like I’m 43…I’ve got lots of energy.
“They asked me in the interview how long I thought do I think I could work in this position? and I said, ‘Yah, I think I could work five – ten years.’’’
I asked whether there is a term attached to the CEO position?
Jeff said, “not really,” so I said “sort of like Vladimir Putin – you could just continue on as long as you want.”
I said though that, while I would want to discuss where Jeff thought changes were needed most at the Federation, I would give him a chance to “get his feet wet” before I’d ask him to start answering those types of questions.
What I wondered about though, is from where Jeff derived his strong sense of volunteerism? Was it something he grew up with? I asked.
“Not really,” Jeff responded. “My parents were hard working and they didn’t do a whole lot of volunteering. My mum (Dora, who died in 2011) did a little bit of that. My father (Aron, who died in 2022) was born in Poland. His family was all killed (in the Holocaust). When he had a chance to come to Canada, he came – on a boat. He was sick the whole way. When he got to Montreal he was told to come to Winnipeg. He was put on a train – didn’t speak a word of English. He worked in a factory all his life, worked hard. It was all about providing for my brother (Garry) and me – providing an education.” There was nothing specific in Jeff’s upbringing that led him to want to give back so much to the community, he added.
But, when he was much younger, he “was invited to go on a Federation mission – I think it was in 1988, and really after that I got the bug to volunteer. I started off at the Rady JCC – which then was the Y – and was on the board.
“Certainly I put in lots of hours volunteering, but I get so much out of it. I’ve met so many great people and experienced so many fantastic things.”
I said to Jeff that he’s such a nice guy, I wondered how it was going to be for him when he had to start saying “no” to a lot of people and organizations when they would be coming to the Federation with requests – especially for money. I noted that Bob Freedman, who had been CEO for 28 years, had a reputation for toughness – and wasn’t afraid to be confrontational at times. (I don’t recall hearing that Elaine Goldstine could be tough in the same way that Bob was tough but, on the other hand, the Goldstine reign is not quite over – and just like retired presidents, maybe the dirt will surface once Elaine has fully retired. Anyone who’s familiar with this newspaper knows that I like nothing more than to trade in gossip and innuendo, so watch out Elaine: We’re coming for you!)
I also mentioned to Jeff that I go back long enough to remember when the late Izzy Peltz basically ran what was then the Winnipeg Jewish Community Council as a one-man show.
Jeff recalled that “in those days, Robyn’s grandfather, Ralph Hamovich (whose daughter is Mira Buchwald, Robyn’s mother), was the other member of the team with Izzy (Peltz). I think Izzy ran the office, while Ralph ran the Combined Jewish Appeal part of it.”
“Yah,” I suggested, “it was really a small organization back then. You could have a two-man show.” (Boy, from a small seedling, mighty organizations with large staffs grow.)
And, speaking of staff, I noted that there have been many changes at the Federation recently, including two recent changes that were announced in our last issue: Sharon Graham as Community Planning and Allocations Lead (a position that had been vacant since the retirement of Faye Rosenberg-Cohen in December); and Graciela Najenson, as Interim Chief Development Officer (taking over from the recently departed Rebecca Brask).
Those are two hugely important positions in our community and, although both previous occupants of those positions may not have commanded a lot of attention outside of the Jewish organizational level, both Faye Rosenberg-Cohen and Rebecca Brask played key roles in determining how much money was available for the 12 beneficiary organizations of the Federation and how that money was distributed.
I said to Jeff though that I thought Elaine Goldstine’s last day as Federation CEO was going to be August 31. He said it was, “but that we’re going to have a few days together. Elaine and I have known each other forever. She has been so helpful. We’ve spoken every day and she said to me, ‘Jeff, I’m a phone call away and if you have any questions after that, just ask.’ I really appreciate that.”
On an end note, I said to Jeff that I thought his being hired was a refreshing change for the Federation and, while the piece I was going to write was going to be all “flowery,” (which this has been), “the muckraking was yet to come.”
Local News
BB Camp: A Legacy of Wilderness, Community, and Jewish Connection
Introduction: Readers of this website may have read stories some months back about the huge controversy in which BB Camp on Town Island in Lake of the Woods had found itself. You can read a number of different stories on this website simply by searching for BB Camp.
Those stories give a great deal of detail about what happened, beginning with a story posted on April 10 titled “BB Camp finds itself embroiled in controversy over camp co-director Jacob Brodovsky.”
Subsequently, we reported that the BB Camp board of directors had given a full vote of confidence to Brodovsky, only to find itself just a few days later ordered by the Jewish Federation of Winnipeg to reverse that decision and fire Brodovsky. (The Jewish Federation has consistently ignored requests from us to offer an explanation why it demanded the firing of Brodovsky.)
On April 27, however, we reported that the board of BB Camp had just appointed two new co-directors: Aliza Millo and Sarah Gould. You can read that story at “Well, that didn’t take long.” (We should note, however, as we did in that story posted on April 27, that Millo’s and Gould’s titles were “co-director,” not “co-executive director,” which were the titles held by their predecessors, Brodovsky and Lexie Yurman (who also happen to be married to each other). Although Jacob Brodovsky had been fired as camp co-executive director, Lexie Yurman happened to be on maternity leave at the time of Jacob’s firing. Whether she will be allowed to return as executive director next summer has not been announced by the board.
Recently, writer Jon van der Veen went out to BB Camp to see for himself how the camp had done this summer and to talk to both Millo and Gould.
Here is Jon’s report:
Nestled on Town Island in Lake of the Woods, BB Camp has been a cherished summer haven for generations of campers, counselors, and families. This year, BB welcomed back two dedicated staff members, Sarah Gould and Aliza Millo, to run the camp; their deep ties to the camp highlight its enduring magic and evolving traditions. In a heartfelt conversation, they shared their reasons for returning, the camp’s unique wilderness focus, and its vibrant Jewish programming that continues to foster community and growth.
A Homecoming Rooted in History:
Sarah’s connection to BB Camp spans decades. Starting as an eight-year-old camper, she progressed through the ranks to become a counselor, then to teaching canoeing and leading the camp’s renowned four-week AC (Advanced Camp) canoe trip. After years away—working at another camp, earning a graduate degree in anthropology, and raising a daughter—she returned this summer. “I’ve always been part of BB Camp,” Sarah said. “It held a special place in my heart, and when we heard there was an opportunity to come back, it just seemed like the right thing to do.”
Aliza, too, has deep roots at BB Camp. A former camper who completed the AC canoe trip, she later served as a counselor before moving to Toronto. Even during her time away, she stayed engaged through volunteer work and the camp’s alumni committee. “It feels like home,” Aliza shared. “It’s like a place where all Jewish people can come and feel completely safe and secure, like they belong.” Her personal milestone of meeting her husband at camp and marrying on the island underscores the lifelong bonds formed here.
The Wilderness Heart of BB Camp:
At the core of BB Camp’s identity is its wilderness program, a tradition that remains as strong today as it was decades ago. The pinnacle is the AC program, a four-week canoe trip where campers, aged 15, venture into the wilderness, covering up to 20 miles a day with multiple portages.
This year, five AC trips took approximately 50 campers into the remote reaches of Lake of the Woods, equipped with spot devices and satellite phones for safety—an update from Sarah’s era as a tripper when groups were entirely cut off from civilization.
The wilderness program starts young, with even the youngest campers, aged 11 to 12, embarking on overnight trips around the island’s conservation-protected campsites. As they grow, their adventures extend farther, culminating in the intensive AC trip. “The more skills they have, the more confident they feel,” Sarah noted, highlighting activities like knot-tying, fire-building, and canoeing that empower campers to embrace the outdoors. This skill-based learning is being revitalized this summer, with plans to bring back canoeing awards and wooden beads for achievements like sleeping under the stars—a tradition that resonates deeply with alumni.
A Vibrant Jewish Identity:
BB Camp’s commitment to Jewish culture is equally robust, thanks to the efforts of the “J-Crew,” a group of staff who have spearheaded a revival of Judaic programming. Aliza explained their grassroots initiative is inteded to amplify Jewish identity- something she says, was in already in motion before she and Sarah returned as camp directors.
A standout event is Israel Day, a camp-wide celebration that transforms the island into a vibrant tribute to Israeli culture. This year, campers “climbed Masada” at the ropes course, relaxed at a “Dead Sea spa” with oatmeal and cucumber slices, and enjoyed a “Tel Aviv beach party” with kayaking and canoe races. Falafel and Bissli snacks added authentic flavor, while decorations like Israeli flags and red thread bracelets created an immersive experience. “One kid said, ‘Israel Day is heaven,’” Aliza said – a testament to the program’s success. Aliza noted that the staff set up Israel Day at night, so that when the campers woke up it was a big surprise to see the camp transformed!
Beyond Israel Day, the camp weaves Jewish values into daily life, using Hebrew words like “chadar” for the dining hall. Shabbat programming offers flexibility, with counselors designing activities like book clubs or arts and crafts, ensuring every camper finds their place. “It’s about being intentional,” Aliza said, noting the camp’s efforts to foster a shared Jewish language and sense of belonging.
Aliza also informed me that BB camp had two Israeli staff members this year. Although not a new phenomenon, their continued incorporation into camp life provides a valuable cross-cultural exchange and helps enhance the Jewish identity.
Continuity and Change
Despite the passage of time, much of BB Camp feels unchanged. The swim docks, the energy of kids running down camp trails, and the closing tradition of the “burning B’s”—a raft with the camp’s initials set alight on the final night—evoke nostalgia for Sarah and Aliza. “The energy hasn’t changed,” Aliza said, reflecting on the familiar giggles and excitement that define camp life. Yet, modern touches like printed emails from parents and safety devices for wilderness trips reflect thoughtful evolution. However, BB Camp isn’t in a rush to adopt all the trappings of modern life, wary of ruining the wilderness experience. “We want them to experience the wilderness without distractions,” Sarah explained, emphasizing that the camp’s no-phone policy offers kids a rare chance to disconnect from a technology dominated world.
The camp’s generational continuity is striking. Sarah noted, saying that she would see the children of former counselors and campers, with families from Toronto, Vancouver, and beyond sending their kids to experience BB Camp’s magic. Kids like to find the names of their parents and other relatives on the canoe trip paddles – dating back to 1968, that line the dining hall walls. “There’s a real generational continuity here,” she said. “It’s a place that’s special in people’s hearts.”
This generational continuity is something Sarah experienced first-hand this summer, as she brought along her young daughter when she took the job at camp. “ She loves it,” Sarah remarked. “We live in Toronto now, but I wanted her to be part of the BB camp family.”
A Place of Growth and Connection:
With 117 campers and 28 leaders-in-training this session, BB Camp buzzes with activity. From the competitive Maccabi Games to canoe trips, the schedule is packed yet purposeful, with a balance between the arts and the outdoors.
The camp’s small cabins, ranging from seven to twelve campers, ensure personalized attention, with counselors, while staff-in-training fosters a supportive environment.
For Sarah and Aliza, BB Camp is more than a summer getaway—it’s a transformative space where kids grow through challenges, whether conquering a ropes course, paddling a canoe, or simply sleeping away from home. “Kids find their thing here,” Sarah said. “From that challenge comes growth.” The camp’s pristine wilderness – free from the distractions of modern life, amplifies this impact, offering a rare opportunity for decompression and self-discovery.
As Sarah and Aliza walked through the camp, pointing out the tripper track—a relic from the island’s days as a 1950s army base—and sharing stories of their own camp days, their passion was palpable. “There’s nowhere else like Lake of the Woods,” Sarah said, reflecting on the solitude and beauty of the AC trips. “It’s a true wilderness experience.”
After a successful grassroots campaign to save Towne Island from development in 2021, BB Camp now partners with the Nature Conservancy of Canada as stewards of Towne Island. Protecting and caring for the environment, its pristine forests and wildlife, is a key value instilled in camp life.
A Community United:
This year, BB Camp has seen an outpouring of support from the broader camp community, including partnerships with other Jewish camps like Camp Massad. “There’s no need for rivalry,” Aliza said, noting the collaborative spirit that strengthens Winnipeg’s Jewish camping scene. With only about 14,000 Jews in the city, the existence of two such nearby camps is a remarkable asset.
As each summer comes and goes, BB Camp remains a beacon of tradition, growth, and community. For Sarah, Aliza, and countless others, it’s a place where memories are made, skills are honed, and Jewish identity is celebrated—a true home away from home on the picturesque shores of Town Island.
Local News
Arthur V. Mauro Institute for Peace & Justice at St. Paul’s College to offer series of lectures
The Mauro Institute is very pleased to be offering the first two events in a new series – The Hersh and Arna Shefrin Dialogues on Peace and Conflict Resolution.
Dialogue #1 – Wednesday, September 17 | 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm | Hanley Hall (Room 220) St. Paul’s College (reception to follow)
The Hersh and Arna Shefrin Dialogues on Peace and Conflict Resolution
Resisting the Perceived Limits of Dialogue
Middle powers such as Canada depend on the power of dialogue to create institutions and agreements with dispute settlement mechanisms designed to level the playing field with big powers. The post-war architecture of multilateralism that depended on American leadership and involvement and the willingness to underwrite the global operating system is fractured with President Donald Trump’s premise to “make America great again”. This presentation by former Canadian diplomat, Colin Robertson and roundtable discussion will consider if it can be put back together or how it should change, and what forms of dialogue that would entail.
Panelists will include Dr. Ursula Lehmkuhl and Dr. Manuel Fröhlich of Trier University, and Dr. James Fergusson and Dr. Stephan Jaeger of the University of Manitoba. The roundtable discussion will be moderated by Dr. Andrea Charron, Director, Centre for Defence and Security Studies, and Professor, International Relations University of Manitoba
Reserve your free tickets to the lecture 7:00 pm, in-person at St. Paul’s College
Livestream on the Mauro Institute YouTube channel.
Dialogue #2 – Thursday, September 25 | 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm | Fr. Jensen SJ Theatre (Room 100) St. Paul’s College
The Hersh and Arna Shefrin Dialogues on Peace and Conflict Resolution
Leading With Compassion Amid Conflict and Violence
Deep human connection and providing service from a place of compassion is increasingly difficult in our complex and polarizing world. In our quest for peace and justice, is compassion simply a pollyannish illusion? Come, hear, and have a conversation with our panelists who have strived to bring compassion into their work in different ways. Hear their challenges and triumphs as they dared to lead with compassion in times of conflict and violence.
Panelists will include Dr. Bob Chrismas, Team Lead, Winnipeg Community Safety Team, Dr. Shauna Labman, Executive Director, Global College and Associate Professor, University of Winnipeg, and Devon Clunis, Former Chief of Police, Winnipeg Police Service, Author, and International Consultant. The roundtable discussion will be moderated by Dr. Melanie Soderstrom, Professor, Department of Psychology, University of Manitoba
The Hersh and Arna Shefrin Dialogues on Peace and Conflict Resolution are free and open to all. The dialogues are both in-person and available to be streamed on the Mauro Institute’s YouTube channel.
Reserve your free tickets to the lecture 7:00 pm, in-person at St. Paul’s College (free pre-lecture reception from 6:30 pm)
Livestream on the Mauro Institute YouTube channel.
[ALSO: Save the Date – the 2025 Sol Kanee Lecture on Peace and Justice is Monday, November 3, 7:00 pm at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights]
The Hersh and Arna Shefrin Dialogues on Peace and Conflict Resolution are generously supported by a gift from Dr. Hersh [BSc(Hons)/70] and Arna Shefrin [DipDHyg/70; BA/71]. The Shefrin Dialogues were established to invite two (or more) leading thinkers / speakers with different views of a specific conflict to present and exchange perspectives on topical issues related to peace, justice, and conflict resolution.
The Hersh and Arna Shefrin Dialogues on Peace and Conflict Resolution are free and open to all. The dialogues are both in-person and available to be streamed on the Mauro Institute’s YouTube channel.
Local News
Winnipeg Friends of Israel to present 2 interesting talks
Winnipeg Friends of Israel are thrilled to welcome Dr. Ted Rosenberg on Sunday, September 14 at 7:00 PM for a presentation that promises to be powerful, timely, and deeply moving.
Dr. Rosenberg will share insights from his new book, Ayekha (Where Are You?), and speak about his experiences at the University of British Columbia — where he made national headlines after resigning from the medical school in protest of its failure to address antisemitism. His story is both courageous and inspiring, and it calls on each of us to consider: Where are we when our community is under attack?
The evening will be moderated by Dr. Bryan Shwartz, and will include time for Q&A with Dr. Rosenberg.
📖 About the Book
Ayekha draws from Torah, the October 7 Hamas massacre, and today’s alarming rise in antisemitism. It challenges Jews and allies to confront hate with clarity, action, and moral responsibility. All book sales support the first Jewish day school in Victoria, BC, founded on October 7, 2024.
Copies are available on Amazon, and thanks to Dr. Cathy Moser, you can also pre-order directly (email: cathy.g.moser@gmail.com). Dr. Rosenberg will gladly autograph your copy after the event.
📅 Date: Sunday, September 14
🕖 Time: 7:00 PM
📍 Location: Shared upon registration
👉 Register here: https://tinyurl.com/mv8tvwhv
📰 Dr. Rosenberg was recently featured in the Canadian Jewish News. You can read more here: CJN article
Don’t miss this inspiring and thought-provoking evening — one that speaks to our moment in history and to the responsibility each of us carries.
We are also invited to attend another timely and exciting event and hope you could join us.
The Druze of Syria and Israel: A New Chapter
Join us for a rare and intimate fireside chat with Carlos Matni and Adham Tayfour — both members of the Syrian Druze community now living in Manitoba.
🌿 Discover the untold struggles, resilience, and hopes of the Druze community in Sweida, Syria.
🤝 Learn how Israel is stepping in during a time of crisis.
🌍 Explore the possibilities for collaboration between the Druze and Jewish communities — a conversation of unity, survival, and shared future.
📅 Thursday, September 18
🕢 7:30 PM
📍 Location provided upon registration
Don’t miss this opportunity to gain insight, ask questions, and be part of an important dialogue that bridges cultures and communities.
👉 Register now to reserve your spot:
https://shorturl.fm/SoWuv
