Local News
Argentinian-born architect Juan Sternberg shares his success story in Winnipeg
By MYRON LOVE Upon his arrival in Winnipeg from Argentina in 2004, architect Juan Sternberg metaphorically unlocked a door to a world of endless possibilities. Sternberg told the story how he arrived in Winnipeg and how his career as an architect has flourished here at a joint Jewish Business Network/GrowWinnipeg/Rady JCC program on Thursday, September 19.
As has also been the case with most other Argentinian Jewish newcomers to Canada over the past 25 years, Juan hails from Buenos Aires, which is where he graduated from architecture – at the University of Buenos Aires, in 1986. His passion for innovation led him to pursue post-graduate studies in CAD/CAM design and a teaching position in the university’s Faculty of Architecture for more than 5 years. He then worked for more than 20 years for a major construction company in Argentina’s capital city as an architect and project manager. The company’s projects include the stunning MALBA (Latin-American Art Museum of Buenos Aires), the Galicia Bank Tower, and the impressive Metrogas Argentina.
“It was in 2001 that my wife and I decided to move our family – including our 12-year-old son and 9-year-old daughter to Canada,” Sternberg says. “I had a friend whose brother lived in Canada. Through our research, we became aware of the Jewish Federation of Winnipeg’s Outreach program.”
In 2004, Sternberg and his family arrived in Canada. Soon after, he obtained status as a LEED AP (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional) with the Canada Green Building Council. Sternberg also became certified with the Canadian Architectural Certification Board, the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada, and the Manitoba Association of Architects to practice architecture in Canada. He practiced at a local architecture firm in Winnipeg for ten years.
In 2016, it was time for Sternberg to open his own office – SA Sternberg Architecture – at 611 Corydon Avenue. Sternberg and his staff focus on institutional, commercial, and government projects country-wide. “Regardless of the project size, at Sternberg Architecture the job must be done right. We started with small projects,” Juan notes, “which led to larger, more interesting assignments.” SA Sternberg Architecture believes that client collaboration is the key to success. The firm’s steady growth over the years is due to client satisfaction and word of mouth.
Sternberg believes that, from concept to completion, each project and each client requires a unique solution, where quality and design are paramount. “By understanding the needs of our clients we can create beautifully designed functional buildings while keeping the projects economically feasible – and our clients appreciate that,” he says.
Current projects that SA Sternberg Architecture is working on include school renovations and a childcare centre in Dauphin that will be able to accommodate up to 120 children. Sternberg has also done residential work, projects for Manitoba Housing, First Nations, and renovations for higher education facilities. His practice embodies the spirit of architectural excellence and entrepreneurial drive.
Local News
Thank you to the community from the Chesed Shel Emes
We’re delighted to share a major milestone in our Capital Campaign, “Building on our Tradition.” Launched in November 2018, this campaign aimed to replace our outdated facility with a modern space tailored to our unique needs. Our new building is designed with ritual at its core, featuring ample preparation space, Shomer space, and storage, creating a warm and welcoming environment for our community during times of need.
We’re grateful to the nearly 1,000 generous donors who contributed over $4 million towards our new facility. A $750,000 mortgage will be retired in November 2025, completing this monumental project in just seven years.
We’re also thrilled to announce that our Chesed Shel Emes Endowment Fund has grown tenfold, from $15,000 to $150,000, thanks to you, the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba’s FundMatch program, and Million Dollar Match initiative in 2024. Our fund helps ensure that everyone can have a dignified Jewish funeral regardless of financial need.
As we look to the future, our goal remains to ensure the Chevra Kadisha continues to serve our community for generations to come. Our focus now shifts to replenishing our savings account and growing our JFM Endowment fund.
We’re deeply grateful for your support over the past several years.
It’s our privilege to serve our community with care and compassion.
With sincere appreciation,
Campaign cabinet: Hillel Kravetsky, Gerry Pritchard, Stuart Pudavick,
Jack Solomon, and Rena Boroditsky
Murray S. Greenfield, President
Local News
Winnipeg Beach Synagogue about to celebrate 75th anniversary
By BERNIE BELLAN (July 13) In 1950 a group of cottage owners at Winnipeg Beach took it upon themselves to relocate a one-room schoolhouse that was in the Beausejour area to Winnipeg Beach where it became the beach synagogue at the corner of Hazel and Grove.
There it stayed until 1998 when it was moved to its current location at Camp Massad.
On August 2nd members of the synagogue will be holding a 75th anniversary celebration.
As part of the celebration anyone who is a descendant or relative of any of the original members of the first executive committee (as seen in the photo here) is invited to attend the synagogue that morning.
If you are a relative please contact Abe Borzykowski at wpgbeachshule@shaw.ca or aborzykowski@shaw.ca to let Abe know you might be attending or for more information about the 75th anniversary celebration.
We will soon be publishing a story about the history of the beach synagogue, which is something I’ve been writing about for over 25 years.
Local News
Vickar Family cuts ribbon on new Tova Vickar and Family Childcare Centre
By MYRON LOVE In the words of Larry Vickar, the Shaarey Zedek’s successful Dor V’ Dor Campaign “is not only a renewal of the synagogue but truly a renewal movement of Jewish life in our community.”An integral part of that renewal movement was the creation of a daycare centre within the expanded synagogue. On Monday, June 23, Larry and Tova Vickar cut the ribbon, thereby officially opening the Tova Vickar and Family Childcare Centre in the presence of 100 of their family members, friends and other supporters of the project.
The short program preceding the morning ribbon-cutting began with a continental breakfast followed by a welcome by both Fanny Levy, Shaarey Zedek’s Board President, and Executive Director Dr. Rena Secter Elbaze. In Elbaze’s remarks, she noted that Larry and Tova wanted their family (including son Stephen and family, who flew in from Florida) and friends at the event to celebrate the opening of the Tova Vickar and Family Childcare Centre, “not because of the accolades, but because, as Larry put it, he hopes that their investment in the congregation will inspire others to do the same.”
“When Larry and I spoke about what this gift meant to him and the message he wanted people to take away,” she continued, “I couldn’t help but connect it to the teachings of Reb Zalman Schachter-Shalomi whose book – Age-ing to Sage-ing – changes the whole way we look at the concept of ageing and basing it on our ancestral teachings.”
She explained that his concept of “Sage-ing” is based on three key ideas – Discover your meaning and purpose; accept our mortality and think about the legacy you want to leave.
“Larry spoke about these exact concepts when we met,” she said.
Elbaze also noted the presence of Shaarey Zedek’s newly-arrived senior Rabbi Carnie Rose, former Rabbi Alan Green, and area MLAs Mike Moroz and Carla Compton.
Larry Vickar expressed his great appreciation for all those in attendance. “Tova and I are deeply moved to stand here with you today for this important milestone in our community”, he said. “We are grateful to be surrounded by all of you, the people we care about, our family and friends… you who have touched our lives and played some part in our journey.”