Local News
Greg Brodsky through the years in the pages of The Jewish Post & News
By BERNIE BELLAN The news of the passing of legendary lawyer Greg Brodsky has already been well reported in various news media.
But, aside from his numerous contributions to jurisprudence Greg Brodsky was someone who contributed a great deal of his his time to a myriad of Jewish organizations.
A scan of Jewish Post and Jewish Post & News archives reveals the many organizations to which Mr. Brodsky devoted his time. The very first mention of Greg Brodsky’s name in one of our issues was in the January 21, 1965 issue, when he was a young 24-year-od lawyer.
His name was listed as a vice-chairman of the 1965 Israel Histadrut campaign. (How long has it been since we’ve had any reference to Histadrut in this paper?) In succeeding years Mr. Brodsky’s name was regularly listed in Histadrut campaigns.
In 1968 his name was listed on the Pioneer Women’s Child Rescue campaign (another annual event that was at one time a staple of our community).
In 1976 Greg’s name was on the list of barristers backing the Combined Jewish Appeal campaign that year.
But, starting in 1980, the name Brodsky began to appear on a regular basis in Harvey Rosen’s sports column, “The Sporting Touch”. Here is what Harvey wrote in our June 7, 1980 issue, under the headline “These Runners Didn’t Stumble”. The occasion was the second running of what has since become an annual event: The Manitoba Marathon.
“I decided to scan the thousands of names and at random choose some of the ‘chosen people’ who realized their dream of one day running the equivalent distance of the Boston Marathon.
“Was Dr. Fred Shane’s name there? Do kids love Mickey Mouse?….
“Lawyer Greg Brodsky, upon whom Shane prevailed to join him this year in Boston, also completed the Manitoba race…According to Fred, ‘Brodsky has got incredible drive.’ Greg, who should now be capable of taking on a greater load due to his superb conditioning, began only a year ago to take the sport of running seriously.”
Freda Glow also wrote about Greg’s running hobby when, in 1993, she wrote about what had become another popular race, the Winnipeg Beach to Gimli 10-mile run.
Freda wrote this about Greg’s participation: “Avid runner Greg Brodsky has participated in the race 10 times. ‘It’s a good way to see where you’re at in your training. You can’t lie to the clock.’ He said it’s only too easy to find an excuse not to run. Despite four past injuries, he’s continued.
“The busy criminal lawyer, who is recuperating nicely from two operations on his Achilles tendon states, ‘We’re going to show those doctors. They told me I couldn’t run any more. “
In our July 24, 1980 issue Mr. Brodsky’s name appears on the list of newly appointed executive members of the Shaarey Zedek Board, something that was to be repeated several times in future years.
In 1986 Mr. Brodsky’s name appears on a list of newly appointed members to the board of Canadian Associates of Ben Gurion University.
And, although there wasn’t a story in our paper about his involvement with the Vaad Ha’ir (the body responsible for the supervision of kashrut in Winnipeg for a very long time), my first personal meeting with Mr. Brodsky occurred some time in the 1980s when he was part of a group of three men who came to our old office on Hutchings Street to discuss a matter that I’ve forgotten exactly what it was about.
All that I remember was that certain individuals were unhappy with The Jewish Post over something to do with kashrut. (Was it that we were carrying ads for “trayf” restaurants? I just can’t remember.) What I do remember was that Mr. Brodsky didn’t say a word during that meeting – and looked a mite uncomfortable even being there. (My impression was that he would have rather been anywhere else. I’m glad I wasn’t subjected to one of his famous cross-examinations.)
In 2002 Mr. Brodsky was a member of the cast of the Manitoba Bar Association’s production of “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest”.
In our February 9, 2011 issue Mr. Brodsky’s name is listed as a newly appointed director of the Winnipeg Board of Jewish Education.
In March of that same year, Mr. Brodsky delivered the eulogy at the funeral of another great member of Manitoba’s legal community, Harry Walsh, saying: “Mr. Walsh was a big part of my life. He is responsible for what I am today. He left me with 40 years worth of memories. I am going to miss him.”
My final communication with Mr. Brodsky occurred in the fall of 2020. I received a phone call from him – much to my surprise, because I had never had a phone call from him any time previously. His speech was slurred and it was immediately apparent to me that he must have either had a stroke or was suffering from some other debilitating condition.
I should note that for years we had been running memoriams for both of Mr. Brodsky’s parents and were always paid with personal cheques from Mr. Brodsky.
This time – and although it was not easy for me to discern what he was saying, it became apparent that he was trying to schedule a memoriam for his late wife, Sylvia. I wasn’t sure how I could comply with his request without knowing more details, so I contacted Greg’s son, Dan.
As I recall, I did contact Dan, but unfortunately, I can’t remember the conversation I had with him. In the end, I didn’t schedule that memoriam – something I deeply regret, as I was told by an individual who took over responsibility for Mr. Brodsky’s affairs when he was no longer capable of doing so that Greg Brodsky so looked forward to receiving our paper each issue.
While Greg Brodsky will no doubt be remembered for the indefatigable energy he devoted to the law, I hope that by offering a smattering of other aspects of his life, as noted at various times within the pages of this paper, that I have offered a wider glimpse of a man who was so generous with his time to so many different organizations but who was, as evidenced by descriptions of his dogged determination to continue running even when he had so severely injured himself doing so – someone of incredible determination, drive, and zest for life.
Local News
UNVEILING for the headstone of Dr. Velimir Kon (Sept. 18, 1950-June 27, 2025)
A true mensch and person of many talents and profoundness, Dr. Velimir (Shlomo) Kon is deeply missed and loved by his family and friends.
Known for his warmth, kindness, integrity and love of learning and teaching, Velimir continues to inspire all who knew him and his memory warms our hearts and souls. Velimir is deeply missed.
You are invited to helps us remember and honour our beloved husband and father who passed away almost a year ago.
We, Branka, Deborah and Lea Kon, wish to inform our relatives and friends of the unveiling of a headstone dedicated to his loving memory on FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2026 at 11:00am at the HEBREW SICK CEMETERY (2605 McPhillips Street) followed by lunch at the Chabad Lubavitch of Winnipeg – Jewish Learning Centre (1845 Mathers Avenue). Please come say a l’chaim in his honour.
In Memoriam
1st Yahrzeit
In loving memory of Dr. Velimir (Shlomo) Kon who passed away June 27, 2025, 12 Days in Tammuz.
⁃ Forever and deeply loved and missed by his wife of over 50 years, Branka, and daughters Deborah and Lea Kon. Velimir brought joy to our lives with his boundless kindness and gentleness, irrepressible humour, great intellect and love of people, tikun olam and Judaism.
Not a day goes by that we do not mention Velimir and feel his presence with us. Our lives are not the same without him and we deeply miss and cherish him. We can never forget his presence that was larger than life, yet also his humility and thoughtfulness.
A gentleman to the very core, Velimir was respected as a scientist, academic, professor, researcher, and later as a teacher and mentor. He always endeavoured to make every place he worked and lived at better and was able to bridge many cultures. He was Abraham of his generation and made many personal sacrifices; giving up status, position and privilege in order for his family to have a better and peaceful future.
May his memory always be a blessing. He left us at only 74 years young and we wish we had had more time together. Indeed, to know him was to love him.
Local News
Younger Jewish talents continue to shine in their respective categories at annual Winnipeg Music Festival
By MYRON LOVE A number of younger members of our community were repeat stars at the most recent (108th annual) Winnipeg Music Festival – which takes place annually in March. Among the repeat Jewish singers and musicians in the ranks of high achievers this year were” Yale Rayburn-Vander Hout, Gregory Hyman, Alex Schaeffer, Juliet Eskin, Noah Kravetsky, and Lyla Chisick.
Vocalist Yale Rayburn-Vander Hout, the oldest of this year’s group of Jewish repeat winners, was competing in his fifth straight festival, where he continued to build on his accomplishments in previous festivals. This year, the 20-year-old son of Samantha and Peter finished first in two musical theatre categories – songs from musical theatre productions between 1965 and 1999, and shows from the past 26 years. Yale sang “I’m Allergic to Cats,” from the 2016 musical “The Theory of Relativity,” and “Suppertime,” from the 1967 musical, “You’re a Good man, Charlie Brown.”
The former Gray Academy student is currently enrolled at the University of Manitoba’s Desautels Faculty of Music in the Choral program. Yale says that he is hoping to get into the performance track in the fall with the goal of earning a degree in Classical Voice Performance en route to pursuing a career in musical theatre.
As reported previously, Gregory Hyman is a multi-faceted artist who can do it all. The 18-year-old son of Hartley and Rishona Hyman is a singer/songwriter/musician (guitar) who records and performs under the stage name, GMH. His versatility shone through once again in his eighth Music Festival, in which he registered first-place finishes for vocal performances in both “Popular and Contemporary Music” and “TV and Movie Music “categories.
Gregory notes that he was also recommended to compete in the provincial finals in June. The St. John’s-Ravenscourt student (and soon-to be) graduate continues to be busy on stage. In January, he headlined a sold out solo show at Sidestage on Osborne featuring some of his new material. In March, he released an album of his newest songs. Readers can check out his latest compositions on any of the music streaming platforms as well as his own social media (thegmh) on Instagram.
Gregory also continues to host his own podcast: “Talk and Rock with GMH – now in its fifth season – in which he interviews various people in the music business across Canada.
While Gregory says that a musical career is his “dream,” he reports that he is hedging his bets and considering different potential career opportunities. Come September, he will be enrolled at the University of Manitoba in a University One program, which will allow him to select from a variety of courses that can count toward a degree.
Sixteen-year-old Alex Schaeffer won first place this year in the “Musicals Prior to 1965, 16 Years and Under” category with “Try Me” from “She Loves Me,” and was runner-up in the “Musicals 1965 to 1999, 16 Years and Under” category with “On My Own,” from “Les Misérables.” For the son of Marc Schaeffer and Kae Sasaki, this was his fifth year competing in the festival.
The Grant Park High School student made his big stage debut three years ago as Kurt von Trapp in “The Sound of Music,” followed by playing Michael Hobbs in “Elf the Musical” this past winter at the Royal MTC.
Alex recently performed in Grant Park High School’s production of “Something Rotten!” This summer Schaeffer can be seen again at the Winnipeg Fringe Festival, where he will be appearing in a production staged by Rem Lezar Theatre.
Rounding out the voice winners is Lyla Chisick. The daughter of Daniel and Baillee was competing in her second music festival. This year, she scored Gold performances in the “Vocal Solo,” “Manitoba Composers,” and “TV/Movie Musical, 12 and under” categories.
Lyla reports that she began taking voice lessons from Jessica Kos-Whicher three years ago. She says she regularly takes part in the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue Family Service and has sung at several community events. Lyla adds that she is already looking forward to next year’s music festival.
Nate Kravetsky and Juliet Eskin competed in the festival as musicians rather than singers. Juliet, 16, plays the viola, and is also is the violist in the Assiniboine String Quartet. In this, her fifth go-round at the festival, Juliet, the daughter of the musically talented Kelly Robinon and Josh Eskin, had first place finishes in the “Viola Solo, level 8,” “Baroque or Classical Concerto,” and “Romantic Composers” categories.
Juliet originally took up the violin – adding the viola a couple of years after. She also just finished performing in the Grant Park High School production of “Something Rotten!”
Nate Kravetsky is currently in Grade 5 level piano. He studies with Erica Schultz and has been taking lessons from her since age 5.
Nate competed in three categories at the Winnipeg music festival: “Baroque,” “Sonata,” and “Contemporary/own choice.”
His own choice selection was the theme from his favourite video game, “Hollow Knight.”
Nate, who is in Grade 7 at Gray Academy, is also preoccupied preparing for his upcoming bar mitzvah.
We look forward to the continued musical success off Yale, Gregory, Alex, Nate, Juliet and Lyla, and what new talent may be unveiled at next year’s Winnipeg Music festival.
.
Local News
Jewish Heritage Centre of Western Canada’s Archivist and Curator Stan Carbone retires
By MYRON LOVE Stan Carbone, a long-time friend of our Jewish community and fixture at the Jewish Heritage Centre of Western Canada (JHCWC) for the past 25 years, retired last week. His last day of work was May 13.
Most recently, he was the JHCWC’s Director of Programs and Exhibits.
“For the past 25 years, the Jewish Heritage Centre of Western Canada has been an integral part of my life,” Carbone said. “I have made a lot of friends in the Jewish community, and I hope to maintain those friendships.”
Carbone’s own history reflects the immigrant experience. He arrived in Canada in 1960 as a three-year-old with his mother and sister, from San Giovanni in Fiore, Calabria in southern Italy. His father had come a few months earlier. Initially, the family settled in Fort Rouge which, at that time, had a substantial Italian community. Within a couple of years, they had relocated to East Kildonan to be closer to where his father’s two sisters and their families lived.
He earned a BA Double Honours in History and Political Studies at the University of Winnipeg, followed by an MA in History at the University of Manitoba, from where he graduated in 1981.
In 1993, he was hired at the Manitoba Museum of Man and Nature (as it was then called) as Curator of Multicultural Studies.
“I always enjoyed doing research,” he said.
His first project for the JHCWC came in 2000, the year after the organization was formed through the amalgamation of the Jewish Historical Society, the Ed and Marion Vickar Jewish Museum of Western Canada and the Freeman Family Foundation Holocaust Education Centre.
Marim Zipursky had approached the Manitoba Museum of Man and Nature looking for a curator to organize a JHCWC exhibit featuring Jewish music and musicians in Winnipeg,” Carbone recalled. “I didn’t know much about Jewish music and musicians, but I was familiar with the Jewish Historical Society – which preceded the JHCWC. I was really impressed by its extensive archives, and I was intrigued by the Jewish community’s history and the wide range of subject materials in the archives.”
The next year, when a position opened at the JHCWC, Carbone applied.
“I have been here ever since,” he said.
Over the past quarter century, Carbone has been involved in bringing to fruition several interesting exhibits. He mentions the synagogues display, a history of the YMHA, and the current exhibit highlighting the important role of women’s organizations. The exhibit that was closest to his heart though was “A Stitch in Time,” a look at how Jews contributed to the development of the garment trade in Winnipeg. Both of his parents worked in the garment industry.
The exhibits though are just one facet of the JHCWC’s focus, Carbone noted. He mentioned how the organization contributed to the publication of Allan Levine’s “Coming of Age: A History of the Jewish People of Manitoba.”
There have also been several compilations over the years of talks that the JHCWC has organized. These are known as the “Jewish Life and Times,” consisting to date of ten volumes.
Carbone further pointed out the organization’s commitment to Holocaust education and the numerous initiatives that have brought that subject to greater public attention.
The organization’s genealogical component, he reported, draws numerous queries from people all over the world.
One particularly interesting project that Carbone spoke about is an ongoing cooperative partnership with Gray Academy. For the past 10 years, the JHCWC has been loaning photos from the archives to the school’s art program, allowing the students to make drawings based on the photos.
“It has been a wonderful program which has given the students a better understanding of local Jewish history,” he said.
“During my time here, we have worked with numerous Jewish and non-Jewish organizations,” Carbone added. “It helps to build bridges between the Jewish and other communities.”
In retirement, Carbone is looking forward to doing more travelling with Anna, his wife of 40 years. They were scheduled to leave for southern Italy on May 16.
He will also continue to be busy in his role as Italy’s vice-consul here, helping fellow Italians and others in Winnipeg.
And he is excited about having more time to spend on his own genealogical and historical research. He has already published two books: “Italians in Winnipeg: an Illustrated History,” and “The Streets Were Not Paved With Gold: A Social History of Italians in Winnipeg”.
A future project which he is seriously considering is a study of the history of Jewish life in Calabria.
He is also working on a family tree.
“I may be retired,” he said, “but I will still be available from time to time to help out if needed.”