Local News
Can anyone figure out what is going on between the CRA and JNF-Canada?
By BERNIE BELLAN (August 27, 2024) If you’ve been following the Byzantine story of what’s been happening between the CRA and JNF-Canada as it’s been reported by the CNJ’s Ellin Bessner you can be forgiven for wondering just what the hell is going on? We reported the original story about JNF-Canada losing its charitable status on August 14: “Canada Revokes Charity Status of JNF-Canada”
Ellin Bessner is a great journalist – and she seems to be doing her best to get to the bottom of this story – even so far as to pore over 358 pages of documents that were sent to her by the CRA recently. (How often does the CRA bother to contact a journalist to try to explain a decision – and send that journalist reams of material that have remained confidential to that point?)
Then, to make things even more complicated, after Ellin published a story on August 26 titled “Read about why JNF Canada lost charitable status after a decade of problems“, also on August 26, JNF-Canada responded in the form of an angry email sent out to supporters, which read:
“We wanted to reach out to you tell you that we are aware of the CJN article that was published today. The CJN did not ask us for our position, nor did it even attempt to interview us or ask any questions regarding any of the issues raised in this article. This is contrary to journalistic standards and is particularly disappointing, coming from an important information medium in our community.
”As you know, we are challenging the CRA in Court, and we reject its findings and conclusions. That is why we are disappointed that the CJN did not allow JNF the opportunity to address the CRA’s points before printing them as facts.
“We want to be clear that the upcoming guest appearance by our CEO, Lance Davis, on the CJN podcast was recorded prior to this article, and is in no way a response to the egregious misinformation represented in the article.”
Ooh…this is getting nasty, isn’t it… a fight between JNF-Canada and Canada’s leading Jewish news medium?
Then, today (August 27), the CJN followed up its earlier story with another lengthy story about what’s going on between the CRA and JNF-Canada: “JNF Canada fights back after losing its charitable status”.
I listened today to Ellin Bessner’s podcast interview with JNF-Canada CEO Lance Davis, followed up by an interview with charity law expert Mark Blumberg – and was left even more confused, so I sent an email to Ellin:
“Hi Ellin,
“I can imagine the heat you took from the JNF over your reporting – and I’ve been following everything you’ve been writing – as well as listening to your podcasts, but I have to say I am totally confused as to what charities are entitled to do.
“From what you wrote yesterday the essence of the CRA’s complaint with JNF-Canada had to do with the employment of underprivileged workers in Israel. It all seems so hard to understand.
“I had thought the problems revolved around 2 issues: Projects over the green line and projects on IDF bases. But it’s so much more complicated than that.
“And, after listening to Lance Davis – and then Mark Blumberg again, I still have no idea what the CRA is focusing on. 358 pages of documents? Years of requests for compliance? It’s all so dizzying.
“But where does this leave all other charities that send money to Israel? I didn’t realize there are so many conditions attached as to what can be done with the money.
“Am I the only one who is totally confused?
“Regards,
“Bernie Bellan”
Ellin responded:
“Here are the documents. If you are confused, then I didn’t do a good job.
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/yh1pv4jy1z7bc82mecjli/ABhIxQNxdLDpMShyARdfTfY?rlkey=0dwkxmzx2hxuuz8t3eqlpxnwa&e=4&st=z7gw7v9z&dl=0
Hey, I’m not a lawyer; I’m not even a professional journalist any more. (I run this website as a hobby.) But, we’re talking about an organization whose impact upon the history of the Canadian Jewish community cannot be overestimated.
We’ve got Members of Parliament like Ben Carr and Anthony Housefather stepping into the fray on this website: “MPs Ben Carr & Anthony Housefather on the CRA’s decision to revoke JNF-Canada’s charitable status”.
Am I going to read the 358 pages of documents that the CRA sent to Ellin Bessner? No.
But what’s going on is so unprecedented in the history of Canadian charities – and Jewish organizations for that matter, I have to admit I’m absolutely fascinated by what’s going on. Still, I’ll wait for much smarter people to try to understand what’s happening. Finally, how much will donations to the JNF begin to dry up if they can’t issue charitable tax receipts for those donations any longer? So many questions – and it’s all so hard to understand.
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.”