Local News
Harvey Secter, Robert Silver appointed to Order of Canada

Two well-known members of Winnipeg’s Jewish community were among 135 Canadians to be appointed to the Order of Canada last week.
In the release announcing the appointments, it was noted that “The Order of Canada is one of our country’s highest civilian honours. Its Companions, Officers and Members take to heart the motto of the Order: DESIDERANTES MELIOREM PATRIAM (“They desire a better country”).
“Created in 1967, the Order of Canada recognizes outstanding achievement, dedication to the community and service to the nation. More than 7,000 people from all sectors of society have been invested into the Order. Those who bear the Order’s iconic snowflake insignia have changed our nation’s measure of success and, through the sum of their accomplishments, have helped us build a better Canada.
“Appointments are made by the governor general on the recommendation of the Advisory Council for the Order of Canada.”
Here is what the release had to say about the appointment of Harvey Secter and Bob Silver to the Order of Canada:
Harvey Secter
For his leadership in business, law and academia, and for his philanthropic contributions to local initiatives in Manitoba, notably within the Jewish community.
ROBERT Silver
For his influential leadership as a businessperson, community builder and philanthropist.
16 others members of Canadian Jewish community apppointed to Order of Canda
(CJN) In addition to Harvey Secter and Robert Silver, 16 other Jewish Canadians were apppointed to the Order of Canada, including philanthropists, scientists, artists, lawyers and academics.
The appointments included survivors Max Eisen of Toronto, Rose Lipszyc of Thornhill, Ont., and Eva Olsson of Bracebridge, Ont., who were all recognized for their dedication to Holocaust education.
Graham David Sher, CEO of Canadian Blood Services; and academics Carol Tator and Frances Henry, of Toronto, who have studied systemic racism, were all named as Officers of the Order of Canada.
Others named as Members include:
• Justice Sandra Chapnik, Toronto, who was recognized for her leadership in the legal field and advancement of women. Chapnik has also served on the boards of Holy Blossom Temple, Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care and ORT Toronto.
• Robert Eisenberg, Toronto, for his commitment to “the revitalization of Toronto’s architectural heritage.”
• Rabbi Baruch Frydman-Kohl, Toronto, for his leadership of Beth Tzedec Congregation and his commitment to interfaith dialogue.
• Leo Goldhar, Toronto, who has served as chair of the UJA Federation of Greater Toronto’s Tomorrow campaign.
• Morris Goodman, Hampstead, Que., for his leadership in the pharmaceutical industry and his philanthropy.
• Jane Heyman, Vancouver, for her contributions to Vancouver’s theatre sector.
• Olga Korper, Toronto, for her contributions to the visual arts through her impassioned promotion and exhibition of Canadian and international contemporary art.
• Barbara Landau, Toronto, for her work as a lawyer and psychologist on dispute resolution and family law reform as well as her interfaith initiatives. She is the co-chair of the Canadian Association of Jews and Muslims.
• Lynn Posluns, Toronto, for her contributions to research on women’s cognitive health through the funding of the Women’s Brain Health Initiative.
• Cara Tannenbaum, Montreal, for her leadership in geriatrics, women’s health and gender research.
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.”