5 things to know about Israel’s attention-grabbing COVID-19 vaccination spree
By PHILISSA CRAMER, BEN SALES
Jan. 5, 2021 (JTA) — Israel is making headlines for its response to COVID-19 — again.
Early on in the pandemic, Israel was lauded for its tough lockdown measures and low coronavirus rates, only to become a cautionary tale over the summer, when case numbers skyrocketed.
Dora Ben-Zhion now at the helm of Grandma Alla’s

By REBECA KUROPATWA
For many who have had the opportunity to taste Grandma Alla’s baking and cooking, you may already know how good it is.
But, what may be news is that Grandma Alla (Golinkin), retired last July. Fortunately, her assistant, Dora Ben-Zhion, has gradually stepped into filling in for all of Grandma Alla’s baking fans’ needs – baking up a storm, especially over the holidays.
Ron Ben-Zhion "raising the roof" with RonOvations

By REBECA KUROPATWA
The other half of the Ben-Zhion couple is also talented in his own right.
JCFS and Gwen Secter Centre continue to provide key supports during pandemic

By BERNIE BELLAN
Ever since the COVID pandemic first began to have a major impact in our community I’ve been reporting on how various agencies have been meeting the needs of those sectors of our community that have been most affected by COVID – whether that’s in the form of regular meal deliveries, grocery shopping, psychological counseling, or simply keeping in touch with isolated individuals.
Local gifted crafter Stacey Hochman Corden making her mark via virtual word of mouth

By REBECA KUROPATWA
With so many sad instances of people getting into dire straits since Covid-19 emerged in our community, it’s nice to know that some individuals are finding creative ways to not only stay afloat, but even succeed.
Danny Finkleman - more than just “Finkleman’s 45’s”

By GERRY POSNER
And then there is Danny Finkleman. For many of us that grew up in the 50s and 60s - when we think of the 1970s and 80s the name Dan Finkleman comes to mind as someone who carved out a career stemming from his curiosity and interest in music. I know - as I was with him for a chunk of his journey.
Canadian Jewish News to be revived in January – in a non-print format

The Canadian Jewish Record is a website that was created following the closure of the Canadian Jewish News in April. (The CJN had also closed in 2012 until it was rescued by a group of supporters.)
In a story posted to its website on Dec. 14 the Canadian Jewish Record reported that the Canadian Jewish News is about to be revived, but in quite a different format than the previous version.Here is what the Canadian Jewish Record reported:
Josh Assor, theatrical man for all seasons, adds film production to his growing resumé

By MYRON LOVE
Over the years, our Jewish community has produced quite a number of individuals who have found success in the performing arts both here at home and elsewhere. Among them is Josh Assor.
First incidence of possible COVID exposure in Kaufman Silverberg Child Care Centre at Rady JCC reported
By BERNIE BELLAN
The first incidence of possible COVID exposure in one of the two child care centres operated by the Rady JCC was reported on December 5.
Diary of the pandemic situation at Simkin Centre
(Updated each day as new reports arrive)
Dec. 14: Good news - We are glad to report that, as of today, there are no active cases of COVID-19 at the Simkin Centre. After almost two consecutive months with at least one active case every day - either among residents or staff, there is now reason to believe that the worst is over. Following is a chronology of events, beginning with the first reported case of COVID-19 on Oct. 22:
It was just one year ago that Rabbi Matthew Leibl entertained a Rady JCC audience with “Oy to the World!”

This article first appeared in the Dec. 23, 2019 issue of The Jewish Post & News. It's hard to believe, but it was only a year ago that Rabbi Matthew Leibl entertained a packed room of mostly seniors in the Adult Lounge of the Asper Campus with a medley of famous xmas songs - all written by Jewish composers.
By BERNIE BELLAN
Rabbi Matthew Leibl is not your usual rabbi – but he sure can command a room.
Sioux Lookout doctor creates unique Chanukah experience

By BERNIE BELLAN
Sioux Lookout is a small community in northwestern Ontario with a population around 5,000. There aren’t many Jews in Sioux Lookout, although there are three Jewish doctors there – and a few other doctors who have some Jewish blood, according to Dr. Benji Goldstein, who is a family physician in Sioux Lookout.
Made in Israel Sonovia facemasks are now available in Canada
By BRAD CHENKIS
My father, Boris Chenkis, is owner of After Five Fashions in Vancouver. He has always been fascinated by retail news from other countries. One day, while watching Israel Daily TV, he saw an interview with Liat Goldhammer, the chief technology officer of an Israeli startup called Sonovia. Goldhammer was being interviewed about new fabric finishing technology for textile manufacturing that had been developed at Bar-Ilan University. She explained how the newly developed technology would repel and kill bacteria located on clothing.
Freda Steel pays homage to her parents’ role in leading her to law career

By GERRY POSNER
Perhaps one of the most remarkable stories about a child of Holocaust survivors who began with humble origins and then rose to a level even she could never have dreamed, is that of Freda Steel, or more properly Madam Justice Freda Steel.
Astonishingly good debut novel by former Winnipegger Sandy Shefrin Rabin

By BERNIE BELLAN
One of the great joys of being in the position of editor of a Jewish newspaper is being on the receiving end of what seem to be a never-ending series of well-written books, either by current Winnipeggers or former Winnipeggers.