Local News
Harvey Chochinov, Steven Kroft recognized with Distinguished Alumni Awards at University of Manitoba Homecoming 2024 celebrations
By MYRON LOVE Every year, as part of Homecoming Week celebrations, the University of Manitoba recognizes a group of alumni who have distinguished themselves in their life’s work. Among the honorees this year were two members of our Jewish community. In a presentation on Thursday, September 19, Dr. Harvey Max Chochinov was recognized with the 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award for Academic Innovation while Steve Kroft was honoured for Lifetime Achievement.
“This is a tremendous honour,” said Kroft, the president of Conviron, a Winnipeg-based company founded by his father that makes controlled environments, providing researchers and entrepreneurs the ability to grow plants indoors. “I feel humbled.
“At the same time, I am somewhat uncomfortable. For everything that I have accomplished, I have had the help of so many other, good people.
“I am grateful, though, for this honour.”
Dr. Chochinov reiterated those same feelings. “I am humbled,” he said. “It is gratifying to be recognized by one’s peers.”
For the long-time psychiatrist, September also brought him a second highlight. A week after receiving the Distinguished Alumni Award, he was in Maastricht in the Netherlands to accept the Arthur M. Sutherland Award bestowed annually by the International Psycho-Oncology Society for lifetime achievement in the field of psycho-oncology. He is the only psychiatrist in Canadian ever to have received the Sutherland award.
The son of Dave and the late Shirley Chochinov, Harvey is a 1983 graduate of the University of Manitoba Faculty of Medicine. After finishing psychiatry residency, he went on to complete his doctoral studies in the Faculty of Community Health Sciences at the University of Manitoba.
It was during his training in psychiatry, he recalled, that he was drawn to the role of psychiatry in palliative care. In furthering his training in that field, he became the first Canadian to complete a Fellowship in Psychiatric Oncology at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Centre in New York.
Chochinov is now a Distinguished Professor of Psychiatry at the Max Rady School of Medicine, where he has been on faculty for more than 30 years. In addition to his local teaching and research, he has given over 500 invited lectures during the course of his career, in most major academic institutions worldwide.
The first psychiatrist to be awarded a Canada Research Chair in Palliative Care, Chochinov’s focus throughout most of his career has been finding ways to help healthcare professionals preserve patients’ dignity and to acknowledge their personhood. As an example, he cited a situation with his late sister, Ellen. Ellen, he pointed out, was born with cerebral palsy. Five years before she died, he recalled, she was admitted to ICU facing acute respiratory collapse and intubation was being considered.
“The internist came up to me and asked me one question – the only question related to her personhood,” he recounted. “He asked if she read magazines. I understood that question to mean if it was worth inserting a breathing tube. Her internist could see her bent spine, her spastic limbs, her dropping blood gases; but what he couldn’t see was Ellen and the rich, full, complex life she lived. I took a deep breath and replied, ‘Yes, she can read magazines – but only when only when she is between novels.”
The danger for health care professionals is losing sight of the person, he observes. He cited a conversation with a nephrology nurse, who conceded that, after a while, she looked at patients as “kidneys on legs, not as whole persons.” Chochinov said that kind of attitude interferes with being able to empathize with patients or to feel compassion.
“Patients won’t care what you know, until they know that you care,” he continued. “Patient care must be based on whatever ailment they have, along with who they are as whole persons. Healthcare providers who can’t do that become more mechanical or robotic in their approach, and often less satisfied with their job over time, placing them at higher risk for burnout.”
He added that patients look towards healthcare providers for affirmation of themselves. “If they sense a healthcare provider can only see their illness, then patienthood will have eclipsed personhood; and that the essence of who they are as a person has fallen off the clinician’s radar.”
“We must ask patients what they want known about themselves as persons in order to provide the best care possible,” he said. “Without knowing who people are and the nature of their suffering, a commitment to person-centred care is only lip service.”
“In times of sickness and vulnerability, will all want and deserve not only health care, but health caring.”
In the speech when he accepted his Lifetime Achievement Award, 57-year-old Steve Kroft observed that he has always associated “lifetime achievement awards” with the Oscars, “when they wheel out a 96 year-old director, who is well past his prime, to recognize his work, decades after his last movie and just before he appears in the In Memoriam video segment. So, while it is incredibly humbling to be recognized in this way, and so meaningful that it is by my alma mater, I prefer to think of this as a “lifetime so far” achievement award, because I still have lots in the tank, and have lots more to do.”
A lawyer by training, the son of Senator Richard and Hillaine Kroft – following the example of his parents, has written a notable resumé for community service. Among the many organizations that he has been involved with are: the Assiniboine Park Conservancy, the United Way of Winnipeg, the Business Council of Manitoba. CancerCare Manitoba Foundation, the University of Manitoba’s Advisory Council, the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, the Asper Community Campus board, the Jewish Federation of Winnipeg and the Prairie Theatre Exchange. He is currently National Vice Chair of the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, and a member of the Board of Directors of the True North Youth Foundation, where he also serves as Chair of the Audit and Finance Committee.
Two years ago, he was awarded the Sol Kanee Distinguished Community Service Medal, the highest honour bestowed on a member of Manitoba’s Jewish Community.
In his speech to students, alumni, professors and community leaders on September 19, Kroft courageously tackled the curse of cancel culture at many universities over the past few years.
“One of the things on my list of possibilities since we sold our business two years ago,” he noted, “was to enrol in a university class or two. But I have wondered whether today’s university campus is one on which I could flourish, or even feel completely comfortable. And it’s this issue that I’d like to spend my last few minutes at the podium speaking about this evening.”
He reminisced about his university days when students and faculty would debate all kinds of issues. “Our classes were as diverse then as they are now,” he remembered. “We would take our best crack at making our case, and then listen to others make their arguments, and try to convince them why they were wrong. Quite often we would each move a little in our thinking, but when we didn’t, we would agree to disagree and then we’d go – often together – for a beer. Discourse was civil and respectful. And perhaps most importantly, we felt free to say what we wanted to say without fear of being ostracized – or as one would say today – of being cancelled.
“Somewhere along the way,” he pointed out. “Campuses across North America have come to be made up of not a collection of independent thinking individuals, but rather a collection of groups by which individuals identify themselves and by which they identify others. These groups are often based on race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, but also on things like the perceived haves and have nots. Too often today, positions are presented, or worse yet, assumed, as group positions, and there is little or no interest in discussion or debate. If one is not part of the group, their views are just deemed to be wrong, or out of touch, with little or no exchange of dialogue or ideas. And worse yet, in too many cases, the declaration is not merely that one position is without merit, but that those who hold that different viewpoint are being hurtful or offensive.”
He noted that he has spent a significant part of his life working with others to help people from diverse backgrounds in their quests to make their lives a little better. “I have the utmost respect for those whose instincts are to protect individuals who have traditionally been misrepresented, under-represented or mistreated,” he said.
“But, at the same time, we have to recognize that this “groupification,” and the over-implementation of policies to guard against potential discomfort caused to any group can and is having unintended consequences, and this is especially the case on university campuses. Well-meaning people have become reluctant or outright scared to ask questions, challenge opinions or even use the wrong word, for fear of being cancelled or worse. Being criticized by one individual is one thing, but to be under intense fire from an entire group is quite another.
“We need to restore an environment in which competing ideas can be debated openly and respectfully but, at the same time, I want to be clear that under no circumstances is there a place for hate or intimidation on campus.”
We need to restore an environment in which competing ideas can be debated openly and respectfully, but at the same time I want to be clear that under no circumstances is there a place for hate or intimidation on campus. I am a strong believer in freedom of speech and academic freedom. And it is on university campuses where such speech rightly belongs. However, when people occupy a space without permission or hijack an event to denigrate, threaten or denounce a group because of their race, religion or sexual orientation – whether that be at a university quad or during a valedictory address, university administrators must act and perpetrators must be held to account. The distinction between free speech based on facts, and hateful and intimidating speech based on lies, is not as blurry as some make it out to be. It is incumbent on our administrators and our security services to make those distinctions quickly and decisively. A university campus should be a place where we can challenge ideas and policies without attacking people for who they are.”
In concluding, he asked his audience to take his message as a positive one, “I truly believe,” he stated, “that we are uniquely positioned at the University of Manitoba – because of the diversity within our province -to lead other universities in finding the right balance between open dialogue and respect. We are Winnipeggers and Manitobans after all. Every successful project we have taken on in this city and province, has succeeded because we have tackled it together. Whether it’s a museum, a university capital campaign, a new concert hall on campus; or a new cancer research institute, an addictions centre or a camp for underserved youth, we are always determined to do it better than anyone else has done it, anywhere. Our greatest achievements have come by bringing people of different backgrounds and circumstances together toward a common goal.”
Local News
Sandy Sheegl honoured after retiring as executive director of G.R.O.W. Winnipeg
By BERNIE BELLAN It was in the late 1990s that a group of individuals gathered at the old YMHA on Hargrave to discuss the lack of opportunities for individuals with special needs in the Jewish community. A steering committee was formed, under the leadership of Karyn Lazareck.
In an article written for The Jewish Post & News by Fern Swedlove in 2010, Fern explained how that steering committee eventually came to create a program known as G.R.O.W. – which stands for “gainresourcesourway.”
Here is how Fern described the evolution of G.R.O.W. from a seed of an idea to a thriving organization that serves the needs of a great many young adults with special needs in our community:
“In 2002, G.R.O.W. in Gimli was founded as a project of the Steering Committee for Persons with Disabilities in the Jewish Community. The committee of volunteers was led by Karyn Lazareck, and through partnering with the University of Manitoba Department of Occupational Therapy, a unique summer life skills program for young adults (age (18- 24)) with social and intellectual disabilities was developed. The program provided the opportunity for individuals to learn and practice life skills and social skills in a safe environment. The partnership with the university supported the development of evidence-based curricula as well as quality assurance through the establishment of a program evaluation process.
“The G.R.O.W. in Gimli Program quickly became known in the community, and based on its success, the G.R.O.W. in Winnipeg Program was established in 2010. Originally, both of the programs were piloted under the auspices of the Rady Jewish Community Centre. In November of 2013 further success and development of the program facilitated G.R.O.W. becoming an independent registered, charitable organization governed by a Board of Directors comprised of parents and professionals
“The G.R.O.W. in Winnipeg Program is an innovative, transitional day program for young adults (21 and older) preparing for independent living. Centered on the individual with a goal oriented approach, the program focuses on life management, health and healthy living, and the development of social, recreational, and pre-vocational skills.”
In a subsequent article that I wrote in 2022 about the 20th anniversary of the G.R.O.W. in Gimli program, I noted that Sandy Sheegl was the executive director of the G.R.O.W. program. What I didn’t know at the time was that Sandy was the only executive director G.R.O.W. had ever had.
On Thursday, April 10, a large group composed of parents of G.R.O.W. participants over the years, along with many participants themselves, gathered at the home of Barb Ivans, who was one of the members of that original steering committee which led to the development of G.R.O.W.
The purpose of the evening was to honour Sandy Sheegl who, after 23 years as executive director of G.R.O.W., will be retiring from that position.
Karyn Lazareck paid tribute to Sandy’s long years of service. She described how she first met Sandy at one of those early steering committee meetings: ”And there I was chairing a meeting in a hallway and in way over my head. The meetings were unbelievable. We had all kinds of very knowledgeable people who had a lot to say, and as an inexperienced chair, I let them say it. And so the meetings were marathons. At one of those meetings, I leaned over to ask my friend Joanie Sheps: ‘Who that young woman was silently crying in the corner?’ and Joanie told me ‘That’s Sandy Sheegl and her son was just diagnosed with autism’ and Joanie and I knew firsthand how hard it was for parents seeking support, especially within the Jewish community. So she (Joanie) looked at me and said, as only she could, ‘Well, she better get a grip,’ and I think we can all agree because Sandy got her grip.
“Sandy joined our committee and, over the next 30 years took on numerous roles, culminating as the executive director of G.R.O.W. She co-chaired the special needs steering committee, working alongside Jan Thompson, and together this committee lobbied the synagogues, schools and camps to promote inclusionary policies.”
Lazareck went on to describe how Sandy Sheegl oversaw the growth of G.R.O.W. from what was originally just a summer program in Gimli to a full-time program with the purchase of a house at 93 Willow.
Sandy Sheegl has worked tirelessly to insure the success of the G.R.O.W. program. Karyn noted that ”One of Sandy’s greatest moments in leadership came during the dark days of Covid. While most programs shut down, Sandy ensured that G.R.O.W. remained active. She and the team held Zoom meetings twice daily, hosting games, contests, and even delivering bingo cards to participants’ homes.
“She secured funding that allowed for a staggered reentering, ensuring that doors at G.R.O.W. were open well before any other program. And I don’t know of any other professional in the field who did what she did, out of love and compassion… and dedication. Sandy brought that competitive spirit to fundraising and under her leadership, our events became more successful each year.”
One of the ongoing aspects of the G.R.O.W. program has been a hockey tournament held as a fundraiser. Karyn noted that, although the tournament was not held last year, it will be mounted again this coming May 31st. Participants come from many different areas. If you would like to participate or perhaps know someone else who might like to participate you can email G.R.O.W. at info@growyourway.ca or call 204-505-3799.
In one final moment of tribute, Lazareck noted that she herself will soon be honoured with the presentation of a “meritorious service medal from the Governor General acknowledging G.R.O.W. and its influence beyond this province. I knew the honor must be shared with her, and so I’m inviting Sandy to join me in Ottawa for the presentation.”
Local News
BB Camp finds itself embroiled in controversy over camp co-director Jacob Brodovsky
(April 10, 2025) By BERNIE BELLAN It began with an article on a website that purports to expose anyone the owners of the website (whoever they are; their name or names are not listed anywhere on the site) deem to be anti-Israel.)
In an article recently posted on the website, B’nai Brith Camp co-director Jacob Brodovsky is accused of “engaging with anti-Israel and pro-Palestinian posts.”
The article goes on to say that “These activities, critics argue, demonstrate a clear bias that is inappropriate for someone in a position of influence over impressionable Jewish youth.” (The article does not give the names of any of these “critics.”)
The article further says that “ ‘It’s unacceptable,’ said one community activist. (Again – no name given.) ‘Parents send their children to BB Kenora for a safe, enriching Jewish experience—not political indoctrination against Israel. We demand Jacob’s removal.’ “
Nowhere does the article cite any instance in which Brodovsky engaged in “political indoctrination against Israel” in his capacity as camp director.
What apparently enraged the author of the article on the website was Brodovsky “liking” certain social media posts that had been posted by someone who goes by the name “Rusty Robot.” Apparently the social media posts that are at the centre of this controversy were posted in the spring of 2024, which might lead one to wonder: Why is the author of the article going after Brodovsky now?
According to the article, “The controversy has led some families to threaten to withdraw their children from the camp. ‘As long as Brodovsky remains, I’ll find another camp,’ stated one father. ‘He shouldn’t be shaping young minds with extremist views.’ ” (Again, the father’s name, similar to the “community activist,” is not given, nor is there any evidence cited of Brodovsky ever having shaped “young minds with extremist views.”)
In addition to the article on the website itself, there are several comments from individuals who, in some cases, give their full name, but in others only their first name, and who level some very serious accusations against Brodovsky, including this comment from someone who gives her name only as “Amy”: “if you are the director of a Jewish camp who shuts down support for hostages and protests the raising of the Israeli flag and singing Hatikvah, then your politics are affecting your role and the climate at camp.”
Two other commenters also criticize Brodovsky’s wife, Lexie Yurman, with someone named Rachel writing that ” I’m confused why there is no commentary on his wife, who runs the camp along side him and has allowed for this behaviour from him for years. She is complicit to his actions.” Another commenter by the name of Nancy writes: “I am confused to why Lexie Yurman, the co-director is not mentioned, since she has allowed for these actions to take place at the camp. She may not be able to control his online behaviour, but she certainly has control over actions taken at the camp and should be implicated in regards to the decisions made there.”
With controversy raging, the board of B’nai Brith Camp held an emergency meeting the evening of Tuesday, April 8, during which the directors discussed Brodovsky’s fate and how to respond to the article in question.
It should be noted that during the time that Jacob Brodovsky and his wife (and co-director of BB Camp), Lexie Yurman, have been running BB Camp (since 2021) it has seen record registrations.
On Wednesday, April 9, the board of BB Camp issued the following statement:
BB CAMP CO-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR APOLOGIZES FOR SERIOUS ERROR IN JUDGEMENT
Maintains Position, with Conditions, Following Unanimous Support of the Board
After conducting painstaking due diligence, the BB Camp Board of Directors unanimously voted to retain Co-Executive Director, Jacob Brodovsky, following his full apology for his serious error in judgement on social media.
After listening to all comments and concerns, the Board made a decision that it believes is best for the organization moving forward.
“While we know not everyone will agree with our decision, we have full confidence that Jacob will continue to provide our campers, families, and clients with the same safe and nurturing environment that they have come to expect and enjoy over the last four years,” said Board chair, Leah Leibl.
She pointed to Jacob’s sincerity in issuing an apology.
“I accept full responsibility and sincerely apologize for the gravity of my mistake and lack of judgement in liking posts that did not align with the values of BB Camp,” said Co-Executive Director, Jacob Brodovsky. “I am extremely remorseful for my actions and most grateful to be able to continue in my role serving our Jewish community.”
Jacob also reaffirmed his belief in the State of Israel and is working closely with others to examine steps that can be taken to strengthen Jewish life and deepen support for Israel at Camp.
Jacob added, “I believe in Israel’s right to exist and care deeply about the safety of all Jews and Israelis.”
In addition to the apology, the Board requires their Co-Executive Director, who agreed, to exercise due caution in his use of social media and avoid any activity that may run counter to the mission of the organization. The Board of Directors has also expressed to Jacob the extreme seriousness of this matter, and has reinforced to him his obligation to uphold all Camp policies.
Apparently though, the board’s statement did not mollify whoever runs the website that first broached the allegations about Brodovsky. In a post published also on April 9, an article on the website suggests that “the board’s decision to retain Jacob Brodovsky reveals a dangerous capitulation to woke pressures—at the expense of true Zionist values.”
The article goes on to say that “At the time of writing,” the website ” has received numerous communications from angry parents who are banding together and preparing a petition aimed at pressuring the board to overturn their decision and remove Brodovsky. This groundswell of community action underscores the depth of disappointment and anger toward a board that appears more concerned with appeasing a narrow ideological subset than with protecting the core values of Zionism and ensuring a safe, enriching environment for its campers.”
The article ends with: “The board’s weak and dangerous decision is setting a perilous precedent. By prioritizing appeasement over accountability, they have effectively signaled (sic.) that catering to woke demands is more important than protecting the future of our children and preserving the heritage of our community. As long as Brodovsky remains at the helm, the values of Zionism and the safety of our youth are under threat.
“The time for empty apologies and half-measures is over. The community’s message is loud and clear: Enough is enough, ‘the asshole has to go’. Until the board reconsiders its decision, angry parents are mobilizing, and their collective voice will not be ignored.”
Local News
2025 JNF honorees Yossi and Albert Benarroch recognized for outstanding community leadership
By MYRON LOVE It was a shiduch made in heaven but sadly, all good things must eventually come to an end. Thus, after nine years as spiritual leader of Adas Yeshurun Herzlia Synagogue, Rabbi Yossi Benarroch is retiring – as of the end of July – and returning full time to his family in Israel. Before he goes though, our Jewish community is giving the beloved rabbi a memorable send-off as one of the honorees at this year’s annual JNF Negev Gala – which is scheduled for Tuesday, May 6.
To make the occasion even sweeter, Rabbi Benarroch will be joined on stage by his fellow honoree – his brother, Albert. Where Yossi has been an outstanding community leader in the spiritual realm, Al is a leader in the social services area. For the past eleven years, he has served as Executive Director of the Jewish Family and Child Service. (His title was recently changed to CEO.) He served as the JCFS Clinical Director for 15 years before that. Al also contributes to our community’s religious life as the regular chazan for Yom Tov at the Chevra Mishnayes Synagogue in the North End’s Garden City neighbourhood.
Both brothers describe the JNF recognition as a great honour. “I know our parents would have schlepped a lot of nachus from this,” Yossi says. “This award is particularly significant to me because of my own strong connection to Israel,” he adds.
Al ads that “it is humbling” to be included among the many Negev Gala honorees over the years who have stood out for their leadership, philanthropy and dedication to our Jewish community and to the people of Israel.
He hastens to point out – needless to say – that while the recognition is much appreciated, his hope is that the honour – and the funds raised on the evening – will help make a difference for thousands of Israelis and some IDF veterans in Winnipeg suffering from PTSD.
“I have dedicated my 36-year career – including the past 26 years working for the JCFS – to helping clients suffering from mental health problems,” he notes. “In Israel today, it is estimated that 70% of Israeli children are suffering from PTSD. You would be hard-pressed to find a family in Israel that isn’t experiencing trauma from the events of the past 18 months of war – and a lifetime of stress from the constant threat of rocket fire and terrorism.”
To help some of those families in need, he reports, the project in Israel that the Benarroch brothers have chosen to support with the bulk of the funds from this year’s gala is an expansion to the Sderot Resilience Centre Family Therapy Suite.
According to the JNF webpage, the Resilience Center in Sderot was established by the local government in 2008, to promote resilience, strengthen individuals and the community, and foster the development of partnerships. The Resilience Center provides much needed support for these children and their families, offering therapy and emotional support, a 24/7 hotline, courses for parents to deal with child anxiety, emergency services and more. The Resilience Centre is currently lacking important infrastructure to support the children and families – suffering the trauma of repeated attacks – who rely on it.
Funds raised by the gala will go towards expanding the existing facility by adding a new Trauma Resilience Centre as well as a protective bomb shelter and make the centre accessible for those with disabilities. The additional wing will have 8 therapeutic rooms and allow for double the daily number of patients
Al Benarroch adds that, as part of the norm over the past few years, a portion of the funding raised from the gala will remain in Winnipeg –with some of that sum going toward the JCFS for programming aimed to help IDF veterans living in Winnipeg who may be dealing with their own PTSD – and the remainder going to support youth activities at the Adas Yeshurun Herzlia Synagogue.
Yossi and Al Benarroch are two of four sons (also including Rabbis Yamin and Michael) born to the late Solomon and Mary Benarroch, originally from Morocco, who came to Winnipeg in the early 1960s. For many years, as Torah reader, teacher of maftir, soifer (scribe), shoichet and occasion mohel, Solomon was an integral part of the religious life of our community. He and Mary were exemplary role models for their sons as observant Jews and ardent Zionists.
All four brothers are Joseph Wolinsky Collegiate graduates. Yossi earned a physical education degree from the University of Manitoba in 1984, following which he made aliyah. He studied at the Mercaz Harav Yeshiva (among others), receiving smicha in 1991. In 1999, he and his wife, Elana, and their children moved to Vancouver.
He and his family were back living in Israel in 2016 when the Adas Yeshurun Herzlia pulpit became vacant. “I saw it as an opportunity to fulfil what I felt was my obligation to give back to the community which had given me so much in my early years,” he says.
A second motivation was that he would be able to spend more time with his aged parents and two brothers in Winnipeg.
“My wife, Elana, didn’t want to leave Israel,” he reports, “but she understood how important this was to me.”
The arrangement that they agreed upon was that he would spend blocks of nine weeks in Winnipeg, followed by three in Israel. He always made sure to be home (Israel) for Pesach, Sukkot, and half of Chanukah. Now, nearing 68 years of age, and with his parents both having passed away, Yossi Benaroch feels that it is time to go back permanently.
He leaves with many positive memories of his time at the Adas Yeshurun Herzlia – our community’s dominant Orthodox congregation – where he has been much loved. During his time in Winnpeg, he has also been responsible for kashrut supervision at Shmoozer’s Restaurant, the Simkin Centre, the Gwen Secter Creative Retirement Centre and Gunn’s Bakery – a role that Adas Yeshurun Herzlia rabbis have traditionally taken on over the past 20 years or so.
He is looking forward to spending a lot more time with his wife, their seven children and 14 grandchildren – almost all of whom are in close proximity to each other.
The gala this year will also be featuring Israeli-American comedian Modi Rosenfeld.
Readers seeking more information about the Gala can contact the JNF office at 204 947-0207 or david.greaves@jnf.ca.