Local News
Gray Academy grad Dylan Kagan first ever Gray Academy student to be given “McDonald’s Leadership Award”
By BERNIE BELLAN
The McDonald’s Leadership Award is awarded to 16 students (eight boys and eight girls) annually who “demonstrate exceptional leadership in high school sport, school, and community involvement while also maintaining a minimum of 75% average.”
McDonald’s awards each recipient a $1,000 scholarship.
The Kagan family (l-r): JAMIE, TALIA, KORI, DYLAN
Not only did Dylan maintain a 93% grade point average in Grade 12, he excelled in two different sports throughout his high school years: basketball and Ultimate (a sport that has become especially popular among under-30s and which involves throwing and catching a frisbee on a team). As well, Dylan found time to create a program called Project 2020 when he was Bar Mitzvah’d whereby basketballs were donated to inner city youth. He has continued to preside over that program and, to date, over 600 basketballs have been donated.
The son of Kori (Brown) and Jamie Kagan, one might say that Dylan comes by his athletic prowess honestly, as his father Jamie has been the athletic director at Gray Academy for years.
But, in speaking first with Kori, then Jamie, and finally Dylan himself, I was surprised to learn that up until Grade 5 Dylan didn’t have much interest in sports at all. According to his father Jamie, Dylan was primarily interested in video games – until Jamie decided he was going to get Dylan involved in sports – whether he wanted to or not.
“I was playing video games all the time,” Dylan agrees.
It was in Grade 5 that Jamie put Dylan into a basketball program. At that point, Dylan says, “I found a passion for sports.”
“I basically forced him,” Jamie says. “Then,” he continues, “in Grade 6 Dylan made the Junior Bisons.” (The Junior Bisons are a club team that plays other clubs. Players are grouped according to age and play teams with players of the same age. Jamie explains that the Junior Bisons have traditionally had the strongest teams at any age level.)
“That (making the Junior Bisons) was kind of a turning point for me,” Dylan explains. “It’s when I began to take sports seriously.”
Because the Junior Bisons have traditionally had such strong teams at every age level, starting from a young age Dylan was fortunate to be able to travel in both Canada and the U.S. to participate in tournaments. He says he’s been “to Nebraska, Ohio, Minneapolis” and elsewhere in Canada as well over the years, playing basketball.
Dylan with his zaide, Larry Brown
Beginning in Grade 11 though, Dylan concentrated on playing basketball for Gray Academy alone.
According to Jamie, Gray Academy has long had a tradition of strong basketball teams. “Dylan was part of our three-time AAA champion provincial basketball team – which, without COVID, would have been four-time this year.”
As well, Dylan was a second-team high school all-star basketball player in the entire province in Grade 11 last year. “Not a lot of Grade 11’s get that honour,” Jamie points out.
“He’s a very smart player,” Jamie notes. At 6’ 2” Dylan might be considered tall, but among elite basketball players of his age, he would be considered average height. His position, Jamie said, was as a “small forward”.
While he still continued to play basketball – for both the Junior Bisons and Gray Academy, when he was in Grade 11 Dylan decided to concentrate more on Ultimate.
Dylan (in black) reaching for the frisbee in Ultimate
“Our Gray Academy Ultimate team is an extremely strong group,” Jamie observes. “They’ve always been in the top two or three in the province every year. They finished third in the Canadian high school national championship last year – second in the province. Dylan was a huge part of that.”
Starting in Grade 8, Dylan was playing on the provincial Ultimate team. “He was playing with kids in Grades 11 and 12,” Jamie observes.
“This year he made the under-20 national team” that would have gone on to represent Canada in Sweden in the world championship – which, “unfortunately was canceled,” Jamie adds.
I asked Dylan when he started to play Ultimate?
“It was in Grade 5,” he answers – “the same year I started to play basketball.”
I wondered whether he was tall as a kid – and whether maybe that gave him an edge that allowed him to excel at sports.
“I’ve always been decently average,” he suggests, “up until about Grade 9 or 10, when I had a real growth spurt.”
Outside of school, Dylan has been Athletic Council Chair at Gray Academy for the past couple of years, which is something that involved him in planning athletic activities and fundraisers.
When he was in Grades 7 and 8, Basketball Manitoba featured Dylan on its posters when it was raising money for inner city basketball programs. When he was Bar Mitzvah’d, Dylan had the idea to donate money from his Bar Mitzvah to purchase basketballs for inner city youth – and he’s been raising money for that cause every year since.
“He’s helped to raise money to donate over 600 basketballs,” Jamie says.
As well, Dylan started a tournament hosted at Gray Academy for students in Grades 6, 7, and 8, called the “Raider Rumbles Tournament”.
The fee for the tournament is one basketball from each player who participates. That’s one of the ways he’s been able to donate 600 basketballs.
“We host SJR (St. John’s Ravenscourt) every year; we host a team from Kenora,” Dylan says.
On top of all that Dylan volunteers at the West Broadway Youth Centre in a program called “Boys World” – which is a drop-in program for inner city youth.
One other interesting aspect to Dylan’s years of volunteering is that last year he was co-winner of the Bert Knazan Award at the Rady JCC Sports Dinner. (His co-winner, by the way, was Lauren Cogan, whom we profiled in our June 10 issue.) The award is presented “to a male and female Jewish teen athlete who has demonstrated athletic excellence, good sportsmanship, fair play and displayed consideration for others.”
Something else about Jamie Kagan that might help to explain Dylan’s excellent scholastic achievement: As well as being athletic director at Gray Academy, Jamie Kagan teaches math and science at the school (something he’s been doing for 25 years, he tells me, going back to his days at Joseph Wolinsky Collegiate on Matheson Avenue).
Jamie adds that for the past two years, in a national math competition for students in Grades 7 and 8, students from Gray Academy have not only finished first in Manitoba, “our Grade 8’s, this year, placed first in all of Canada.”
“When Dylan was growing up, he was number one in Manitoba in Grades 6, 7, and 8,” Jamie notes – “and in the top 10 in Canada.”
Consistent with his acumen in math, Dylan tells me that once he enters the Asper School he eventually hopes to become an actuary. (I tell him that’s a very good choice, as the two careers that hold the highest guarantees of employment are actuary and mortician.)
As disappointing as it must have been for Dylan not to be able to go to Sweden this summer to play for Canada in the world under-20 Ultimate championship, he will still be playing Ultimate when he begins studies at the University of Manitoba Asper School of Business this coming fall (assuming there are classes) and will still be a part of the national under-20 team.
There’s always a next year and, as Gerry Posner might say, Dylan Kagan has achieved the “ultimate” recognition for his all-round ability as a student, athlete, and volunteer.
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.”
