Local News
Gail Asper, David Kroft head list of this year’s Kavod Honourees
By MYRON LOVE It has been a few years since I last attended a Kavod evening – and I was greatly impressed by the caliber of volunteers in our community who are responsible for the ongoing success of our communal institutions.
I was equally impressed by the new-look Shaarey Zedek Synagogue, the host for the evening – and the first community event to be held at the synagogue since it re-opened in mid-September. The shul had been shut down for the past year and a half for its first major renovation and expansion in over 50 years. The result is a brightly lit, expansive space which, one synagogue president noted, will undoubtedly appeal to community members who have in recent years gravitated to venues – other than the Shaarey Zedek – locations such as the Convention Centre and the Gates on Roblin – for their family simchas.
The Jewish Federation of Winnipeg has been presenting the Kavod Awards yearly (except for during the Covid lockdowns) for decades. The original awards – The Harry Silverberg Young Leader of Distinction and Max Nathanson Young leadership Awards were first presented back in 1974. The Sol Kanee Distinguished Community Service Award and the Max and Mollie Shore Memorial Award were introduced in 1995. The Shem Tov Awards date back to 1996 and recognize one dedicated volunteer a year from each of the Federation’s beneficiary agencies and organizations. The Larry Hurtig Communal Professional Award was introduced by the Larry Hurtig family in 2012 – shortly after the Federation past president and community leader passed away. The Duboff Family Youth Award is of more recent vintage – having been given out for just the past four years.
This year, two new community awards were presented: The Gerry Koffman Combined Jewish Appeal Award honours the memory of the much revered former Combined Jewish Appeal campaign director who left us – far too young – in 2004. The award will be presented annually to an individual who has contributed significantly to the campaign as a volunteer over many years.
The second new award, the Magen David Award, celebrates an individual who has shown exceptional dedication and leadership in supporting our local Jewish community or Israel.
The list of honourees this year was an impressive group – and one could argue that each deserved a separate story in the Jewish Post – but space does not allow for it. So I shall do the best that I can.
I am going to start at the end. The Sol Kanee Award is the most prestigious award given out by the Jewish Federation. The honouree is someone who has contributed to the Jewish community locally, nationally and internationally – and this year’s winner fits the criteria to a tee.
“I am surprised that Gail hadn’t already received this award,” observed Moe Levy. the first executive director of the Asper Foundation in introducing Kanee Award honouree Gail Asper.
Gail Asper is the third member of her family to receive the award – following to the podium her older brother, David, and her late father, I. H. Asper (along with Moe Levy himself).
I knew Sol Kanee. He was my father’s first cousin. He has been described as arguably one of the most important forces behind the scenes in the annals of world Jewry in the second half of the 20th century. He was also modest about it. I recall one evening toward the end of his life when the community was honouring him,. His speech was succinct – “The evening is late. So thank you and good night”.
I have long been an admirer of Gail. She has made a huge difference locally – and not just in the Jewish community – nationally and internationally. She also shares Sol Kanee’s sense of modesty.
In accepting the award, she spoke of the world being divided between those who give and those who are “leaners” – people in need and the importance of giving when you can. “Your life could change in a heartbeat and a giver could suddenly find oneself a leaner,” she pointed out. “It is important to appreciate what you have and be prepared to share.”
She also spoke of the rewards of being a volunteer. “By saying ‘yes’ to volunteering, to taking on new challenges, I have had so many adventures and met so many beautiful, big-hearted, caring people. I encourage everyone to say ‘yes’ when asked to volunteer.”
The Max and Mollie Shore Memorial Award is presented annually to an individual who has distinguished him or herself through long-standing leadership and dedication to the Combined Jewish Appeal and commitment to the principles and goals of the Federation. This year’s honouree was Mr. Justice David Kroft (who was appointed to the Manitoba Court of Appeal about a year ago – a court on which his late father, Guy, also served).
The award was presented by the Shores’ great-granddaughters, Stephanie and Emily Kalo.
The Kroft Family has a long history of volunteerism. David Kroft himself has served as president of the Jewish Federation of Winnipeg (as did his father, Guy, and older brother, Jonathan). He has been a Combined Jewish Appeal canvasser for 25 years.
In his response, while expressing sadness about the events of October 7 in Israel and the upsurge in anti-Semitism – unprecedented in our time, Kroft stated that he remains optimistic about the future. He cited the newest jewel in our community, the new look Shaarey Zedek and the growing number of Jews who have been reconnecting with community over the past year.
In particular, he highlighted the strong leadership role that the Jewish Federation and its beneficiary agencies have played over the past year in helping the community get through what has been a very tough year for many.
‘This evening is a celebration of the Federation, its beneficiary agencies and all of the staff and volunteers who have contributed to their success,” Kroft said.
The third major award – the Larry Hurtig Award – was presented by Hurtig’s son, Jack, to Belle Jarniewski – once again, a more than appropriate choice. In just a few years, the daughter of Holocaust survivors has carved out an outsized leadership role in Winnipeg, nationally and internationally in preserving the memory of the Holocaust and fighting anti-Semitism.
“About 15 years ago,” she recalled, “Joe Riesenbach, a survivor, reached out to me to help move a project forward that had literally been collecting dust. Before I knew it, I was a member of the Holocaust Education committee, the federally appointed delegation to the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) as a member of the Academic Working Group and the Committee on Antisemitism and Holocaust Denial. The committee elaborated the first intergovernmental definition of anti-Semitism, adopted by consensus at the 2016 IHRA plenary. “
Through her work on Holocaust preservation and education, she was introduced to the Jewish Heritage Centre of Western Canada. She was appointed the JHC’s executive director in 2018.
“The Jewish Heritage Centre is the key to our past and our future,” she noted. Exploring our archive is like walking back in time – it’s a treasure trove reflecting the incredible history and diversity of our wonderful Jewish community stretching back 125 years – the challenges and the many triumphs that have shaped who we are today. As the saying goes, you need to know the past to understand the present.
“The Winnipeg I grew up in was a golden age for Jews -a tapestry of multiculturalism with shared values,” she continued. “We thought that the kind of anti-Semitism earlier generations had faced was gone forever. While we may not be able to bring back the wonder years, we must stand united as a community and be strong in our convictions.
“As for me, I am profoundly honoured to work with all of you as we build toward a better tomorrow.”
Brownie Fleishman was the first recipient of the Gerry Koffman Award – which was presented by Koffman’s daughter Jody, and wife Rachelle. Brownie has been involved in community service all her adult life. Among the organizations to which she has contributed her time have been the Jewish Federation, CJA, Hadassah-WIZO, and the Jewish Child and Family Service.
The loudest applause of the evening was reserved for Einat Paz, who received the new Magen David Award. The Israeli-born social worker is, appropriately, the Jewish Child and family Service’s manager of volunteer services.
Paz was recognized in particular for her leadership in helping to organize and co-ordinate weekly vigils – now in their 11th month – that, in more recent months, have been held on Kenaston by the Superstore – in support of the Israeli hostages in Gaza. She has also been prominent in fostering ties between Israelis in Winnipeg and the local community.
The award was presented to Paz by Jeff Lieberman, the Federation’s executive director.
The youth and young leadership award recipients were: Noah Greenfield (Duboff Family Award); Michael Silver (Max Nathanson Award); and Bryan Hack (Silverberg Award).
Hack came to Winnipeg only five years ago. Originally from South Africa, he grew up in Vancouver, where he was heavily involved in the community and Vancouver’s Jewish Federation. In Winnipeg, he quickly continued where he left off in Vancouver. While in Vancouver, the BHC Group principal chaired the Young Adult Division for the Vancouver Jewish community, for which he received the Young Leadership Award in 2017. Over the past three years he has served as the Jewish Federation of Winnipeg, Young Adult Division Chair/Co-Chair – and is currently the Chair of the CJA’s Ben-Gurion Society – the young adult outreach division.
Financial advisor Michael Silver has volunteered his time with the Rady JCC, and the JNF, as well as the CJA. He co-chaired the Top Donors division with his wife Ellie last year. In his response, he noted the example that his late uncle, businessman and philanthropist Arnold Frieman set for him.
He also spoke of the impact of the events of October 7 on him personally and world Jewry. “The degree of anti-Semitism we are seeing now is reminiscent of the 1930s,” he observed. “The universities are breeding grounds for anti-Semitism.”
Still, he added, he firmly believes that the great majority of Canadians support Israel and the Jewish people.
“I consider it a privilege to be able to part of the Winnipeg Jewish community and help ensure a secure future for our children and generations to come.”
Noah Greenfield has been proving his leadership mettle this past year as president of Hillel Winnipeg. Since October 7, the University of Manitoba student has been speaking out against anti-Zionist and anti-Israel hate.
In presenting the Duboff Family Award, Neil Duboff described Greenfield as a “mensch”.
“If we don’t stand our ground, we will not have a place in Canada,” he stated.
Among the Shem Tov winners were: Avrom Charach (Jewish Federation of Winnipeg); Ari Hanson (Jewish Child and Family Service); Bryan Borzykowski (Winnipeg Board of Jewish Education); Al Greenberg (Rose and Max Rady Jewish Community Centre); Amy Karlinsky (Jewish Heritage Centre of Western Canada); Marilyn Regiec (Saul and Claribel Simkin Centre); Howard Kideckel (Gwen Secter Creative Living Centre); Shea Lerner (BB Camp); Max Palay (Camp Massad); Shael Lander (Aleph Bet Child Life Enrichment Program); and Lyle Lockhart (Shalom Residences).
Mazel tov to all and Yasher Koach
Local News
A local vocal extravaganza
By Dr. RAY SINGER I just experienced a revelatory weekend of superb vocal music, about which I wanted to share.
First, on attending Shaarey Zedek for Shabbat morning services I was pleasantly amazed at what was transpiring: Marlaina Sommer was beautifully singing her way through her own Bat Mitzvah service. Having married into a famous local musical family, I was not surprised also to hear her daughter and son-in-law, Sarah Sommer and Justin Odwak, sing – with their ethereal voices flowing over the congregants. Spouse and father Hillel provided percussion.
That was just for starters. My wife and I then attended the first concert in the Asper Jazz Series to hear the New York Voices in their Grand Finale concert tour, Winnipeg being the only Canadian stop on their tour.
Singing as a quartet for 38 years, their jazz singing was superb – with intricate harmonies, scat solos and amazing jazz vocals in the style of Lambert, Hendricks and Ross. They displayed exquisite control, and also interacted well with the audience.
Our final vocal musical experience was most revelatory and meaningful. This event was held on Sunday in the Laudamus theatre on the C.M. U. campus
It was organized by the Women’s Music Club of Winnipeg. Little did I know that club has been bringing in musicians of world stature for 130 years. If not for the kindness of our neighbours, Professors Harry and Mary Lynn Duckworth, we would not have known of this concert, entitled: “In a Dark Blue Night.” The title was written in both English and Yiddish in the program notes.
The music was performed by two wondrous musicians: Isabelle David, pianist and Sara Schabas, solo soprano. They performed a song cycle by the Pulitzer Prize-nominated, N.Y.C.-based Jewish composer Alex Weiser.
The first half of the concert consisted of Leiders by Viennese composers of the early to mid-20th century, all of whom were Jewish or in relationships with other Jewish composers. The composers included: Arnold Schoenberg, Alma Mahler, Erich Korngold, and others. Sara’s rendering of their songs and poems set to music was transcendent and emotive.
The narrator of theevent, Nolan Kehler, himself a musician and music radio host, was excellent in detailing the Zeitgeist around those Viennese composers and how they had to flee Vienna in the late ’30s. At least two were murdered in the Holocaust.
The second half of the concert was even more amazing. Alex Weiser composed music to accompany selected poems written by Jewish immigrants to New York early in the 20th century. Sara, having sung most of the songs in the first half in German, and one in English, then sang those poems beautifully – this time in Yiddish. Then, as a finale she sang a Gershwin medley. To add icing to this note-worthy cake, the pianist played the most challenging dramatic part of “Rhapsody in Blue,” knocking it out of the park
Thus, in one weekend I heard a Sarah and a Sara, and am grateful for our musical riches, especially brought to Winnipeg by both the Mennonite and Jewish communities. I am no music reviewer, but can appreciate the talent and artistry displayed by both Isabelle’s David and by Sara Schabas And, great news: Sara, who is from Montreal has landed a job teaching in the Desautels Faculty of Music. Hopefully many more of us will get a chance to hear her.
Local News
Jewish Foundation Endowment Book Of Life program Sunday, November 1st
By BERNIE BELLAN The Jewish Foundation of Manitoba first launched its Endowment Book of Life legacy programme in 1998.
This charitable initiative allows donors to promise a future bequest to the foundation in exchange for having their personal history, family experiences, and philanthropic values permanently inscribed in a physical and digital archive.
On Sunday morning, November 1, the Jewish Foundation held its most recent Endowment Book of Life event followed by a brunch at the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue. There were five new entries into the Book of Life, from: Brownie Fleishman – in memory of her parents, Beryl and Esther Pierce; Marilyn Goldberg – in memory of her husband, Dr. Norman Goldberg; Melissa Rice – in memory of her husband, Richard Rice; Sharon Wolchock, in memory of her husband, Sid Wolchock; and Anna and Lyle Silverman.
The signers were introduced by Jewish Foundation CEO John Diamond, who, in addressing the signers, said: “Your stories, your generosity, and your commitment to the future of our community will continue to inspire others for generations to come. Thank you for making this meaningful commitment.”
Diamond read excerpts from what the signers had written in the Book of Life or described what had led some of them to be motivated to want to be part of the Book of Life.
From Brownie Fleishman’s inscription about her parents, Beryl and Esther Pierce, Diamond read: “The story of the Pierce family began in Winnipeg in the early 20th century, when Beryl and Esther Pierce came to Canada to establish a new life for themselves and their children.
“Beryl Benjamin Pierce was born in 1883 in Poltova, then part of the Russian Empire, and now Ukraine. He immigrated to Canada in 1912 and settled in Winnipeg, where he became a pioneer in the fur industry. A skilled designer and cutter, he established Pierce Fur Company in the Exchange District. The building that housed that business was later designated a municipal historic building.”
From Marilyn Goldberg’s inscription about her late husband, Norman: “Norman had a deep connection to Judaism and to the Jewish community. He attended synagogue regularly and served on the boards of both the Rosh Pina and the Shaarey Zedek synagogues. He was a leader in the efforts to change the Shaarey Zedek cemetery rules to allow interfaith couples to be buried together. His commitment to Tikun Olam extended to reaching out to the larger world. He helped lead the community’s efforts to settle refugees from Darfur.
“Our children characterized his faith this way: ‘His was a Judaism that was not orthodox in practice, but deeply rooted in Jewish values, tradition, and faith. This led him to good deeds, good words, a good life.’ “
From Melissa Rice’s inscription about her late husband, Richard: “Richard was immensely proud of his Jewish faith and heritage. He celebrated his bar mitzvah, participated in Kadima and AZA, and formed friendships that would last a lifetime.
“His close friend circle included and many who shared countless adventures, misadventures, and laughs over the years. Their friendships endured because Richard understood something important. Relationships require time, loyalty, and commitment.”
John Diamond spoke about Anna and Lyle Silverman’s long commitment to the Jewish community: “Both Anna and Lyle have always been strong philanthropic supporters of the local Jewish community, of Israel, and of Holocaust education.
“A commitment that was reinforced a few years ago after they had participated in an emotionally draining and unforgettable March of the Living trip that took them to the gates of Auschwitz. Their ongoing support of the Jewish community is also inspired by Anna’s memory of the tremendous help that her family received from the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society when they landed in Montreal as refugees. Their story goes on to say they have been lucky in love and in business, and now as they continue to enjoy a long, comfortable, and well deserved retirement, they are eager to share their good fortune with others. ‘We have a wonderful life and couldn’t ask for anything more,’ Lyle says, ‘so now it is time to give back.’
“Through hard work, a commitment to education, and a strong connection to their Jewish community, they built a family whose succeeding generations continue to benefit from the opportunities they created.”
Diamond said this about Sharon Wolchock’s inscription about her late husband, Sid: “Sid was Sharon’s biggest supporter. Her volunteer work with the National Council of Jewish Women and the Jewish Federation mattered as much to him as his own legal career, and he backed it fully. He wanted Sharon and their daughters rooted in the Jewish community in whatever way suited each of them. In 1983, on Sid and Sharon’s first trip to Israel, Sid’s lifelong connection with the Jewish state was born.
“Sid’s love of aviation and history and his pride in being a Jew emerged during that trip. He became a passionate supporter of Israel’s soldiers and donated club rooms on two Air Force bases named for his brothers Harvey and Bernie so that the hardworking and often underappreciated technical crews had somewhere pleasant to relax.”
Following the ceremonial signing ceremony, guests in attendance were treated to entertainment by a quartet of talented singers: Julia Kroft, Josh Bellan, Alyssa Crockett, and Vinnie Alberto.
Closing out the day’s programme, current Jewish Foundation Board Chair Dafna Shore paid tribute to this year’s signers – and to the more than 800 signers of the Book of Life who had preceded them:
Shore said: “What makes this program so extraordinary and why it continues to resonate with so many people is the opportunity it gives us to share the stories that shape who we are, stories that might not otherwise have been told.
“Through the Endowment Book of Life, these stories are given a permanent home. Together, they form a living history of Jewish life in Manitoba, one filled with resilience, compassion, humor, and hope. These stories are more than a record of the past. They offer lessons for the future, showing generations to come, what it means to belong, to give, and to take responsibility for the strength of our community. Thank you for adding your voice and your vision.
“To this collection and for making a legacy commitment to the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, your generation helps ensure that the programs, schools, and organizations that sustain Jewish life here will continue to thrive for generations to come.
“One of the great privileges of serving as chair is helping advance the Foundation’s mission, securing our community’s future while supporting its growth today. The Endowment Book of Life embodies that mission beautifully. It reminds us that each of us in our own way has the power to make a lasting difference.
“As we reflect on the importance of leaving a lasting legacy, I’d also like to take a moment to remember two valued members of the Jewish Foundation and Manitoba family who we lost this past year, Sheldon Berney and Lillian Neaman.
“Both served as governors of the Foundation, demonstrating their commitment to our community through their leadership and service. We are grateful for their contributions and the role they played in helping strengthen the foundation. Their memories remind us that a lasting legacy is built through the generosity, dedication, and commitment of those that came before us. May their memories be a blessing.
“As long as members of our community continue to invest in tomorrow, through their generosity, their readership, and their willingness to share their stories, Jewish life in Manitoba will continue to flourish. Thank you all for being part of that story.”
Local News
Application filed by two former members of Etz Chayim Congregation against the congregation to have their memberships restored dismissed by judge
The following is taken from the Canadian Jewish News website: “Manitoba’s Court of King’s Bench has dismissed Hadass Eviatar and David Hoult’s application challenging the termination of their membership at Congregation Etz Chayim. In his decision, Justice Vic Toews noted that, although Hoult’s letter describing a hypothetical attack on the synagogue may have lacked sensitivity given the political climate, he did not intend to threaten violence against congregants. However, the judge ruled that the court did not have jurisdiction to intervene in the membership dispute under Manitoba’s Corporations Act, finding that the couple had no financial, proprietary or economic interest that would entitle them to the remedies they sought. The judge concluded that religious organizations are generally free to determine their own membership rules and ordered each side to bear its own legal costs.”
If you would like to read the original article that broke the story about the battle between Hadaass Eviatar and David Hoult with Etz Chayim Congregation you can go to Epic Court Battle.”
